How did you guys celebrate your CNY?

National Paddy Museum in Kedah









Macik..macik...mau ambil gambar?


















3-D pictures of the sceneries.












Limestole hill - Gurnung Keriang

Paddy growing – the whole place covered with green carpet

Gong Xi FaChai everybody!!! I’m back to office now. Really no mood to come back to office!!! Seriously speaking.. I am still feeling damn sleepy right now after the family gathering, gossip, eating and drinking since 1st day of Chinese New Year (CNY) till last night!!! Haha.. So how did you guys celebrate your CNY? I bet most of you are gathering in eating and drinking whole week long too!!!

For the last week, I had the luxury of sleeping as late and waking up as late as I want. I could take a nap in the hot afternoon as I want. Sioknya.. but today, my holiday is officially over. However I couldn’t get out of bed as I want, I ‘gulung’ up myself like a centipede kena abu and dozed off till 7.30am….haha

I went to National Paddy Museum (National Rice Museum) in Kedah on 5th day of CNY. The admission is only RM3 for adults and RM1 for children. It is really worth seeing. It’s look so real and amazing to see the art work on the huge 360-degree ceiling painting on the interior domes. These are the result of painstaking work by 60 artists from Korea. Beside the painting, there are some galleries with panoramic murals showcase some facts of rice, history of paddy cultivation, traditional tools and the lifestyle of the farmers during the old day. You are allow to take pictures everywhere if you pay for the camera fee of RM3.00. I didn't really take many photos as there were too crowded during CNY.

I know most of people only know Kedah is famous for it’s Langkawi islands and the gateway to Thailand. If you happen to be in Kedah one day, do drop by to Paddy Museum to see the 3-D pictures of the Kedah sceneries, the painting are really like real life with life size objects and humans.

After capturing some green rice fields, we headed for lunch…fuyoh…the weather was getting hot that day…

XIN NIAN KUAI LE

I wanted to wish everyone a very Hhappy Chinese New Year, wealthy, healthy and happy! I hope this year will be filled with light & love, good health, happiness, and a touch of magic! May you also be given strength and wisdom to handle all challenges that come your way!
Happy eating (and drinking) for the next 15 days! *wink*

Gong Xi Fa Chye Belly Dance Gathering

I am organising a small potluck style Chinese New Year gathering party for all belly dancers on the 5th February 2009 (Thursday) from 7:30pm onwards at Music System Dance Studio, Alor Star.

All are invited and are encouraged to bring your favarite food to share. Drinks will be provided.

There will be a few dance belly dance show from students, free dance and a special “Fashion show“ by Belly Dance Kids. Don’t forget to bring hip scarves and dance with us.

Good luck, Good Health & Prosperous Chinese New Year.!!!

Group Photos

Last night was my last sessions in Jitra studio. Then I will close down for Chinese New Year!! We took a group photo before wishing each other a happy new year. ... So I set my camera and got everyone to get into position. So, here’s the picture.

It is a wonderful feeling watching the student practice the dance and enjoying themselves.

They are age-mix of my lovely beginner since March 2008. They are really keen to learn.

Miss Photogenic Contest & Dance Talent - Part II

I didn’t watch the semi final photogenic competition last night. Here I’m going to tell you what I heard later from my student that the contestants kicked the night off by singing, performing of Thai Tradition Dance (Lai Kah Thong), Chinese Umbrella Dance and the Modern Oriental Dance from my Arabesque Troupe - Audrey. She performed the piece of choreographed dance by me and she improvised it entering with a veil to spin around a couple of times and then discard it. This was really great entrance piece.

I was told that the belly dance had been great. It was of high quality and was most enjoyable which made me regret a little my decision to miss it. Audrey told me she wont feel panic at all, she proudly danced to the end of the long piece of music in front of the large audience and the judges. How impressed I’m because she understands the meaning of bellydance.


Oh, yes! It's nice to know our belly dance was a truly WOW with a real bang! I assume this was more or less to surprise to local people here, since Alor Star is not well known in the oriental dance world.
Later I was informed that the finalist will be on 29 Feb 2009 which I sure will be even greater to watch my student perform.

Miss Photogenic Competition & Dance Talent

One of my belly dance teacher right now taking part in the Miss Photogenic contest. She has enter the category from the day of the competition. The final night will be on 13th Tuesday Night. She was told by the organiser lastnight that all contestor must show their talent competition on final stage. So she decided to bellydancing. We discuss what to dance over the phone. She told me she is a bit nevours, she don’t mind whether to win or place, she just want to beat her belly dance performance to the audience and all belly dancer out there. Bravo!!! Oh my dear…..I was touched by when I heard what she said. I told her to take a deep breath and focus on what to do on the stage. Enjoy the mood of the music, look at the judges, look at the audience in the eye and smile, smile, smile.

Okay! get ready, get set and go get prepared for the belly dance lovers.

A Mystery In Black And White

My blog is the most frequently updated section of the site. I regularly post new photographs into the blog so please come back to visit.

I am spreading my wings as an aspiring choreographer. I see a light in each one of those students that has been lovingly nurtured, and I experience a renewal of inspiration that I bring with me into my dancing where ever I go.

Khai Shin : "This is not something that many girls who dance get to take part in living in a small town. Belly Dancing is an eye-opening expedience as well as a tough life to live. However, without the long hours of training I have put in, I would have never been one of the girls picked to dance in Arabesque Troupe".

TSL : "I knew that the Arabesque Belly Dance was where I needed to be to get that feeling fulfilled. After my mom first seeing me perform she could not stop commenting on how good I danced. Even though I was new, it really made me feel really special".

Audrey : "Annie gave me my first chances to choreograph as I taught for Arabesque Belly Dance Centre. I can only be grateful to Annie and other teachers at the workshop for helping me get to where I am today. Without the opportunities, I would most likely not be where I am today; let alone the person I am today".

Belly Dance Photo Snap !!

This morning, I received our photos which were snap in studio recently. YP commented it would be nice to have all photo to preview at just one click. I decided to upload on my blog instead of having to clink each on each link to preview. Actually, I am currently working on my website photo display text, when all of the pages have images. Will keep you posted when my assistant does some updating.

A special thanks to YP for writing in with this suggestion and for the others that continue to comment.

Raks Assaya or Saidi Cane Dance

Cane dance costume I bought during Bali Lotus Dance Retreat 2007.

Everybody have just been busy since school re-open. Busy Girl gets to college, busy mom busy for back-to-school routine., Today, the first thing I heard when I step in to my studio were “Aaah, I have 80 over books need to wrap” One of busy mom told me that she have to wake up her 8-year-old! Get her to eat, get ready and get out the door with all her homework and without peanut butter all over her face. Haha… Whoa, Mom! It’s back to school time and the energy is great.

I started my saidi cane dance class with saidi beats. The cane dance is a peppy and playful women's dance using a cane. I taught my student some techniques to hold the cane and show them the gallabiya costume. We did some combinations of dance – The Echappe Coupe Coupe which I learned from Nurriya when I was in Cairo. The step is basically a hop on both feet, and a lifting of the other leg.

Guess what! They were hooked and fell in love with cane dance.

Mailed Hadia's Workshop Mar 2009

I mailed Hadia’s Workshop flyers to all the dance clubs, studios, and all the belly dancers I knew. I know it is a good idea to advertise, but it can be expensive and which I cant afford to do it. I hope everything are going smoothly.

Thank you for Adrienne Almeda from Philippine to send kind notes, leave thoughtful comments and we share some idea of belly dancing. Thank you for your friendship. Hope to see you again soon in Bali/Singapore.

Ya Salam

Ya Salam - I choreographed this piece for my beginner - intermediate student in last year. This group were with me for 3 months then they skipped to intermediate level. This music was my FIRST workshop (learn how to choreograph) with Samra (USA) in 2006. They were filled with a desire to learn, with a passion to explore. Cheers for belly dance.

Making Our Own Costumes

Our own made beaded costumes

Belly Dance Costumes Competition in Nov 07







Joey&Hubby
Annie & Popo




Ho…ho..ho…Last night I finally finished my tribal tassel belt. My bra top finished a couple of weeks ago. I’m now waiting to sew the 10 yards tribal skirt. As you know, there were no local vendors of bra and belt sets we could find here, the only resource I had was searching on line, or buying from a small vendor who sold pretty Indian scarves, beads, coins and bells to make my own costume.

I know my student are very smart, creative, once I show them mine, they will know how to decorate for their own. I remember how the audience ooh and aah over their beaded costume during our 2nd annual hafla show.

We have been so blessed by this dance and the many things it has brought to us – the beauty, sensual, friendship, self expression, confidence, fitness & health. It is important we can share it together.

My final words for costume - Costume enhance your dance, the audience only watch your costume for few second. So, choose the appropriate and less expensive costume that fit you if you are at beginner level, once you reach intermediate, you'll have a better idea of what your style of dance is and what style of costume best fit your body. Most importantly, know your music and dance with your music, of course enjoy yourself! That is what belly dance is all about.

ATS Tribal Belly Dance

The 14 weeks sessions ATS Tribal (Fat Chance Belly Dance of Carolena Nericcio format) class went by so quickly. My student had completed the whole choreograph where they need more practice and practice. And the tribal fusion begins in end of December. Our Tribal Belly Dance journey is just beginning. Last Sunday was the 1st day for technique class. This is the class I work for my student to practice their technique drills. We will do technique drills for layering, shimmies, locks and slow movements that form the foundation of tribal fusion. They will be dancing and having fun before they know it.

We will also discuss appropriate costuming, music and history of this dance form. I will show them my tribal costume in the next lesson. Let yourself be inspired!

Invitation to perform in the Singing Competition in Nov 2008.

Kids practice behind the stage.... hey! they looks so nervous!!!

I teach many different ages and levels of student. This is one of those years when I have many little ones. It’s is usually much more fun to tech the advance ones, but it’s a big challenge to get through to the younger ones, keep them happy, have them learn something, and pass on to them my great love for belly dance.

To me, there are still so many things to learn and I still go to workshop as possible. How boring life would be without music and wonderful people to dance, to share it wonders with.

Back From Christmas Holiday

Artist images at Orchard Road

Yam....Yam.....Yammm.......Seng

Wishing both of you happy forever and "yong yuan xing fu kuai le"!

Ok well, I’m finally back from Christmas holiday. Posting some of photos while I traveled to Singapore.

Enjoy your New Year’s Eve and please be safe.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2009

I am going to take an early vacation to celebrate X’mas, to do shopping for CNY clothes. I will be back to dance with you on January 2009. I don’t want to be a slave of my laptop. Just 5 more minutes and I will turn off the computer. I want to enjoy this season - not thinking about works, deadlines, blogs to write and lessons to teach. I want to break free from computer slavery starting today up to the next weeks. Hee…hee…

"Thanks! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all! See you soon." Hope everyone travels safe and if you are going for holiday or shopping on maybe you are dumb enough to buy me cool stuff while you are out...I mean smart enough. Yeah, I meant smart.

2008 Year End Review & Belly Dance 2009

I am on my way for a year end review. This year I start off this early. This gives me an ample time to think about what would I like my goals for the next year to be. Moreover, it helps me to start planning which will support me to fulfill my goals for the next year. To simply put, I am now doing basic research, gaining knowledge, taking advice, forming strategies, making space in life for the new goals etc. In the month of January, I don’t want to scratch my head wondering how to go about with my goals. I rather want to start working on my strategy and get closer each day towards my goals.

Most of my year 2008 was spent being busy. It was an interesting year when I look back now. Arabesque Belly Dance is three and a half month old now. And the journey so far has been amazing. My body work harder and harder to adapt new activities and motions, my dance routine keeps feeling fun and challenging. The only thing I missed out is my 3rd annual hafla which I had postponed to 2009. My blog - although I have only 47 posts on this blogs, I’m happy that I have been able to share the value info for my dancers or readers. People have written such wonderful comments to me, some through direct mails and some by phone calls. This is the greatest achievement of all for me.

I’ll update this again!

My Kids Belly Dance

Tonight I brought my kids for belly dance show. People were very nice to us at the show and seemed to enjoy watching my kids belly dance. They were all ready, they remembered the choreography, and danced with their little hearts out. How lovely they looked in their red costumes & make up. I’m so proud of these beautiful girls.

We were invited to perform for Chinese New Year again. To be fair, I need to confirm with my kids whether they are available at that time. As school reopen soon my kids will be busy with their homework and tuition.

Here I’m just going to say, my kids enjoy dancing in a group and they really have fun ! I feel that it’s important for young dancers to interact and learn as a team. Team based dance provides new and existing dancers with an opportunity to have fun while learning and growing as a group.

I'm Sick

I am back from Singapore. Damn long queue, big jam all the way stretch to almost JB immigration. I was up all last night sick. My body feels terrible pain. I called office to inform them I wont be in today. I've spent the 12 hours in bed. Other then that, things are ok I suppose. I’m still so weak all over there and severe headaches. But feel a little better now that its out of my system. Boo! Luckily no class today, time to rest and maintain health.

I got so much on my mind I really don't know where to begin...I am not even sure if anyone reads my blogs so I’m still going to post. First things first we have invitation for charity show on December 31st. Well I really need to plan for what to dance on new year eve, I guess too much on my mind at the moment.

The More Practice, The More Better!

Practice drills are very important in belly dancing. The more you practice, the more you will find which muscles are used and how to drill the technique into muscle memory. One thing that is practice does not make you perfect, but you must practice until you are perfect and you will be perfect only briefly. And remember to sustain practice a new skill to become automatic or for new knowledge to become long-lasting.

Believe me, practice over and over and over – you must make sure you are executing a move correctly. When I practice, I will go through that motion. A hundred times, two hundred times, over and over. The More Practice, The More Better!

I lost my book - Dynamic Belly Dance

Back to office after 2 days of ‘hari raya haji’ holiday. I have lunch with my 2 students today and we enjoyed chatting. I'm going to singapore by tomorrow morning. Woohooo.... excited to meet my niece and attendding her wedding.

I love to read when I have the time. Especially the book for my dance education. I lost my book - Dynamic Belly Dance . I don't lose books. I remember I brought to the hair saloon to read while waiting for my turn. Yesterday I have scoured all our bookshelves and I cannot find it. For some reason, I hope I may misplace it for a while.

New Drills

I am half a sleep when writing my blog… but that’s my plan to be more active writing my life for belly dancing. Ok, I am gonna to post it.

I've been too tired the last few crazy weeks. Yes…I’m picking up a few new moves. I am actively practice every day, upper body and lower body, layering, traveling and drill drill drill….I need to really focus on my muscle, all of the different muscle groups and exercises for my tribal, then speed up and drill drill drill. I need to work on to achieve my goals. Shhhh…. it is huge amount that needs to be learned. it’s my learning journey for sure, and I love drilling.

Got to practice all those drills and find out some more to post it.

NEED A BREAK TO THINK ABOUT IT

It is Sunday and I did do some work yesterday. I'm getting some work done on my web pages. Waiting to upload.

Everyday I spend time trying to understand both an exercise and dancing current point of view in the place I live.

We all knew that exercise or dancing workout are great workout for our health. But why does everyone can't stick to any kind of program for more than a few weeks? You see, kids exercise all the time without even thinking of it. They just being active, like when they run around outside or play kickball at school field, is a kind of exercise.

It really doesn't matter which exercise or dance workout you choose. It is important to have good sweat, heart pumping, help you get into shape and make your heart happy. Remind you, you may know that your heart is a muscle. It works hard, pumping blood every day of your life.

Can you touch your toes easily without yelling ouch? Think about it and decide what you will do and when you will do it. You will be able to move around and do all the stuff you need it to do.

Something is better than Nothing. Don't think of activity is "nothing." Be happy even if you expand something new - Think of exercise as your daily vitamin.

HADIA WORKSHOP - MARCH 2009

Belly Dance Hafla 2009

I am excited for 2009. I am going to Bali in May for my own dance inspiration and education. I am hosting Hadia workshop in March 2009. Then Nigma ATS in June 2009. Hmmm....and while I know I’ll be making random updates here and there, workshop and my big big hafla event in 2009. I have stayed pretty busy writing... its just a matter of time. So stay tuned - I'll make sure to keep you all posted!

Everyone loved my Hafla (belly dance party celebration), but it is far too much work! Don’t get me wrong, I will do my 3rd annual hafla in 2009. I hope my dancers will willing to work as a committee and share the work, I would be happy.

That's about it for now. I'll keep this blog updated on a semi regular basis, with information and updates on my new website. Thanks for reading!

American Tribal Style Belly Dance

DATES FOR NIGMA WORKSHOP – JUNE 2009

Surprisingly Nigma called me far from SPAIN while I was at work yesterday. We had a long chat over the phone about her workshop.

I am pleased to welcome her back to A/Star. She is one of Master Teacher and an inspiration to me.

The workshop will be :

13-14 June 2009 Tribal Guide Level1 Stage1 Alor Star
20-21 June 2009 Tribal Guide Level1 Stage2 Alor Star

27-28 June 2009 Tribal Guide Level2 Stage1 Kuala Lumpur
04-05 July 2009 Tribal Guide Level2 Stage2 Kuala Lumpur

Private class with Nigma is available during her stay in Malaysia. Plan & Mark your calendar !!!

NEW INTAKE 2009

Since I started teaching class, I've been trying to stop watching an excessive amount of TV and focus more on getting my choreography done ahead of time. But then, I still lack of time to dance, to practice for my own.

I've always had a really hard time juggling class and work. How I wish I can quit the job to concentrate my class or dance, but it’s not the good time at the moment. I have several new beginner classes at 6pm and 8pm from Sun – Thursday. I will do the 1st and 2nd session on 8pm class, then Audrey will continue the rest. It’s been little while Audrey stop teaching class due to her workload in insurance company.

Writting My Belly Dance Website

Lately, I’ve just been so busy writing! Writing what? My website writing. I’m not quite making a great brief content categories yet. But, that’s for sure – and I’m definitely working my way up the writing ladder.

I didn’t realize it’s been 2 weeks since I’ve last posted on this blog –it shouldn’t be long now. Anyway, with the year end coming up I know I’m going to be way busy, and I hope everybody is looking forward to the year 2009 – I know I sure am!

Anyway, I wanted to keep this short – but I’ll keep in touch! And remember, keep dancing and dancing!!!

Planning for 2009

Do you know the current economy? Now that the economy is spiraling downward, some of my friends have been getting laid off of their part time jobs. Thus, we all have to save money by cutting back on some unnecessary expenses.

In December, It's very hard to stay focused on my dance schedule because X’mas mood approaching; I need to clear off my annual leave, take long holiday to stay with my family, go to Singapore visit my nieces…….

With my new class schedule, I will be doing the same throughout the years. I’m now planning for the new intake, then I will again embark in my crazy world in 2009! !

Back From Egypt

My trip to Egypt was a very fun and enjoyable in experience the history and culture of the dance I love so much.

Visited to the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt - Giza Pyramids. It was cool! Joo Nee and I got camel ride …hehe….seriously I afraid of falling down when the camel walk fast. The middle pyramid... It's really small tunnel and we have to bend over to about waist height while walking up and down to a very steep ramps... it's not too easy. (Luckily I did my yoga routine every day so I wont felt backache). Huh....It REAL hot inside!!! It's very cool to be inside a pyramid, but to be honest there is nothing to see except a small room…. We stay there for less than 5 minutes. Everything is gone to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and around the world.

We headed to the Sphinx and snap more pictures then head back to the Stables...it is bad that the Sphinx’s nose had been broken.

Headed to Egyptian Museum and see King Tut’s treasures up close. Sadly we are not allowed to snap inside the building. It got so much fabulous stuff, which really makes it amazing... but it's also got so much fabulous stuff that its packed and every room has item after item next to each other...oh! my eyes get tired….it's difficult to appreciate one single item because the tour guide explained fast and lead us to next …..

I took many photos at the Temples and Mosques and feel the awe of such ancient works of art. It was amazing we took a cruise down the Nile and walk through the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. It is also 1st time I learn how Papyrus paper are made.
There is so much to see and experience. This was an experience I did not set out to have in life, but glad I did.
Have you ever try the Egyptian food? I don’t really enjoy the local food there. Among the food, Koshary is only my favorite!

Last night I attended one of my friend’s birthday dinner. It was my big delicious dinner after 11 days of adventure in Cairo, Egypt. I really miss my home cook food after the trip.

Go...Go...Go..

Just a little update from my site. This would be my last blog before I abroad. It’s gonna be a long holiday for me and I start to miss my students, miss the fun, miss the music and miss the laughter in the class. I miss eating lunch or dinner with you and gossiping about others. I miss the laughter that certain students could invoke of me how to do this or do that. I miss teasing the students and them understanding what I am saying about. I miss being able to yell at my student…..bend your knee, flat back, shoulder down, chest up…relax & enjoy in the music…. Haha… but most of all I miss the connection that could be made between a teacher and a student........who spoke the same language.

I just spoke to Cindy. She has not been well for past few week. I told her I want her to rest well and want to see her in my class when I get back. Spoke to Audrey about her private training course and going to discuss further when I get back. Many of you asked me to buy the hip scarves, green, maroon, orange. blue, black as well…..oohhh…I will wear it on and get into the plane if my baggage is full ok?

Thank you for your well wishes and support to make my travel dreams come true! I promise to bring something for you and will share my Middle Eastern Dance experience in Egypt.

Hurray...Hurray for Me!!!!

Wooo huh…! Two more days to go…. Again and I cant wait..!

Tomorrow is my last class in Fei Yang studio… so will see you guys soon!

Hurray for Change… Money Time

Finally…..Finally… I got my Cairo-Dubai seat reservation confirmed!! Tell you… I really pray hard thru the whole week since I was told my ticket stub for an unreserved seat. Thanks God, I am blessed.

I saved for months and months and am now off on my trip of a life time, just the 3 week vacation in Cairo that I’ve been dreaming of.I’m going to money changer, get the best rate to spend. Hmmmm……but I’m on a fairly tight budget. Bad things I have to ensure carry plenty of cash - they are not accepted payment by credit card.

I’m now in count-down mode. I can't believe I’ll be leaving for Egypt this week! It's so exciting, We are going to have a TON of FUN in Cairo!! This will be my most memorable trip ever. Thank you to Paola for putting this together for us.

Thank You For Your Encouragement!!!

I want to take a moment to thank JP who commented or wrote me privately for the encouragement through this never ending journey.

Thank you.. thank you for your kind words, your comfort when things are going bad. They have meant a lot to me!

What a long, strange journey it has been! It is true that I have rough times in the first few year. And along the way many interesting and funny things have happened too. In all of this process, I had to admit that I enjoyed doing. Finally I was helping people doing something that they enjoy doing. It seemed like every person in Kedah who had never danced in their lives was now interested in learning how to belly dance. This was the moment I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

I openly admit I have never won a dance contest. I never claimed to be the Best, the Biggest or the Greatest. I never study dance from an early age, nor have I received any teaching awards or professional recognition whatsoever. I just try my hardest to achieve my goal. It is important to encourage people to make physical activity a part of their everyday lives. Like anything else in life - you get out of it what you put into it.

This is A Never Ending Journey and this is A Never Ending Journey blog. I set it up is not with the purpose to blog about topics of interest me professionally, but it is sharing my learning path. There were plenty of bumps along the way. I will try to bring some past journeys those experiences and how they influenced, and/or still influence my practice and my approach in my belly dancing life.

If you have an activity you enjoy, volunteer as a way to get started, then see if you have what it takes to turn your interest into more meaningful use of your time. Be a good role model. Build physical activity into your daily routine.

Wish you luck.

Shoulder Shimmy...Egyptian Shimmy...

My student Jia Earn is practice Egyptian shimmy…hop shimmy shimmy...! She is a good but for the first time, she looked a little nervous.

I loved you! Woohoo!

NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!

Good News !!! I just settle my payment for website. I’m going to launch my new website soon. This is the place for the most up to date info what I’m up to. In the meantime, please take a look around here.

Praparing To Cairo...

The evening was spent shopping. I bought some biscuits & snack food. It is something that can help me to save some money. I know I’ll be wracking up a huge bill before I get home, like souvenirs, costume, belly dance stuffs….

Bought some frozen food for my mom, maid and my dog before I leave to Cairo… 12 days is quite long……. I’m going to miss my family, students, friends, dog and especially my warm bed! But I’m excited.

I have finished packing my luggage. I bring only 2 pairs of pajamas, 3 pairs of dress pants, 10 shirts, extra bag for dancing costume…etc & etc….I'm going to think over the dress pants idea a little too. Am I finished or did I miss something?

Just want to share some of our happiness on 1001 Nights. See our future belly dancer here…. This is just a kid belly dancing. Kids learn fast!! This girl follow her mom to my class oftentimes, when I put up the music, she now what I’m going to do for my usual routine. Hey Girl! You are fabulous! Guess how old is she?

1001 Night Beely Dance Party

Thank you to all my lovely ladies, kids & all my dancers.
Everyone had so much fun on our 1001 Belly Dance Party!!!! The foods were so delicious and everyone thought it was great! Your performance have been inspiring to all! Thanks again for the fun and great treats!

Dancing In My Dream

Last week I got sick. I tried to ignore it. I took one day medical leave to rest at home. I thought I would be fine. No matter how hard I tried to sleep, I can’t close my eyes. Of course there is coffee make me awake. I drink coffee everyday to train my mind in a way to stay awake. My student called, and I just told them I was too sick and I want to cancel my class, but she sounded unhappily and hope I don’t cancel the class as she only dance with me once in a week. I did not wait to hear any thing else, I just said to her I will be dancing in my dreams. I got sicker and lying down…. the beat goes on ... till the next morning.

Sorry girl, I’ll replace the class for you.

Going to Egypt.....

I cant wait to travel to Cairo. Cant wait to meet all of you girls on 6th, I cant wait to enjoy the belly dance master classes, workshops, top all of that off with amazing belly dance gala performance, and this is a trip that I have always dreamed.
I am on the verge of emptying all my money in my bank, and wooh!, what am I going to do? Most of the money spent are spent on belly dance stuffs, world master class, workshop…costume... etc. I think I had to save some money for future use.
I and Joo Nee booked our flights separately thru the same company. Yesterday my agent told me that my ticket has problem to book the seat for coming back. But Joo Nee's ticket is OK. They asked me whether I can change the flight for coming back. I told her it is impossible and I don't care how they are going to solve it and I only want to travel together with our group. I mentioned all of the names who are going with me. The names I gave may or may not correct. So I'm wondering whether you girls can give me your passport names so that I can forward to the agent that we are in the same group. My ticket has sent back to K/L to reconfirm the seats. I was so frustrated especially after planning this so far in advance still not able to get a seat reservations to come back. Now I’m praying hard to hope everything go smoothly.

Cheers! Cheers ! See you in airport ya..... I look forward to sharing this trip with all of you.

It's Time To Dance

It’s been long since I last blogged.. Quite busy recently…... My PC get VIRUS again and I had to reformat it and install all necessary software again. I think I had to get a updated anti-virus software asap.
I am getting lazier and lazier.. What the hell is happening to me? Don’t know why, I am getting tired and more tired one day by one day, stress in office, feeling overwhelmed by the amount or work, how I wish I can reduce my works and get more exercise to help me reduce overall stress. Yes, I need music, I need dancing…. as dancing, and as a way to prove to myself that I still could, that I still looked good, that I still had control of my body. I need more time to do my choreograph, then dance and practice. OK ALL RIGHT! I get it! Like a smack in the Back of the HEAD. No more feeling sorry for myself, I'M GOING DANCING.

MODERN BELLY DANCE

I just completed teaching modern belly dance course. This is lot of fun. Yesterday we did a couples rounds practice in the class. Every courses I taught I made sure my dancers learn something new and exciting, I can see my dancers getting better and better which I’m happy to say I finally love to create choreographies.

For one thing, I communicate to students about the technique, the music and the expression of the dance as it is done where it began. Secondly, in the early days there was little available on the market in the way of music. Now there is almost too much to choose from, including traditional and modern Arabic music and fusion music. The music has become a rich field from which to select teaching and performance pieces. Thirdly, I’m teaching more on technique. I remember it took me three months in a studio practicing by myself to figure out how to do a "3/4 shimmy" walk, after seeing someone do it. In my classes, some of the students get it and by the eighth week and most of them can do it. We’ve had years to learn and refine teaching methods, so better dancers can be developed more efficiently.

Also, I don't mind if you use my choreography, either in a performance or to teach your students, but please credit me. Do send me a video of your performance! Thanks!

Raqs Sharqi Movement

I’m teaching belly dancing by levels. Level I, II & III from beginner to intermediate. There are two main topics that I tried to explain to my students: the development of a teaching method for Raqs Sharqi (bellydancing)--what it is and how it changed the dance-and an explanation of how one might define Raqs Sharqi. My discussion of these topics is strictly an outgrowth of my personal experience. I am tracing what I consider to be an important influence in the way that belly dance teaching methods developed in my area and what effect that had on the way that we in the Malaysia perform Raqs Sharqi or Belly Dance.
In Middle Eastern culture Raqs Sharqi is performed by movements primarily of the torso to visually reproduce the rhythmic patterns in the music. In order to teach belly dance, then, we might have a completely different concept about movement, music and dance, the use of pressure points on the floor and the use of the skeletal frame to create torso movements became an important way to coax a reasonable facsimile of raqs sharqi movements.
Usually my classes are small up to 12-15 people max. I give personal attention to everyone’s posture, the way to use muscles, how to learn the technique in basic format, how to develop core muscles. Of course First few classes are usually the hardest ones, if you are patient and consistent, you will see the results in couple weeks. It takes few months to feel really comfortable with the basic belly dance moves and how to put combinations together. Then you will learn the coordination of hips and arms or hips and chest which I also call layering, I introduce basic layering in my beginning classes, but walking/dancing with basic layering takes some time.
You are in the right place if you want to work hard, see results, dance beautifully but strongly, and trim those unwanted fat. I highly recommend also doing yoga and paying extra attention to your nutrition.

Lovely Ladies, Lets Practice Dance!

How are you over there? Do you do your homework after Nigma Workshop? I’m talking about the dance practice. I hope you practice too, a minimum of three days a week, three or five mini practices a day, or five minutes a day, or better yet both. After so many workshops with Nigma, I’m loving it! I even practicing in my mind when I travel to work, of course I cant lead which foot goes where. I just listen the rhythm of the dance, by tapping out the beat with a finger. Sometime I do finger dancing on tabletop during my office hours. It’s only way to help. But you need to get your legs and body involved often also. Muscle memory helps you remember your dance figures, and remember, practice makes perfect if you practice perfectly. Hurry up, make a quick note for a future practice!!

I’m also very happy and very busy right now working on our upcoming event. I will let you know shortly, but, in the meantime, I just wanted to keep you posted on some important message that Nigma has asked me to send her regards to all of you. She is having difficulties in accessing Internet in Bali. If any one of you has emailed her, she would not be able to read your email, so be patience, once she is able to access the internet, she definitely will reply to you.

Here I want to post some info of ‘MED Professional Training for Dancers & Teachers with Nigma in Bali for year 2009. The date has been postponed roughly in September 2009 and the actual dates will be announce soon. Get yourself plan to join Nigma’s next teacher training in Bali. For those of you lovely ladies who are interested to improve your dancing skills with MED Master Teacher, this is not limited to the mechanics of teaching movements, it includes how to deliver a good time by teaching your student dancing. Ideally you educate them and yourself at the same time. As a dance teacher, if you don't make it fun to your class, you'll lose them. This is my teaching experiences.

My knowledge and spirits have been greatly increased by an amazing time with Nigma, so I’m even more excited about the Teacher Training in Bali.

Belly Dance Teacher With Nothing To Teach??

There has been many dancers bringing in many wonderful artists to teach belly dance. There are also many workshops presented throughout the year. I’ve seen the teacher when she first started teaching, she went to workshops and bringing the choreography back to her troupe then performed all over in the local event, I know she teaches none of her own work! it was cool! They just want to perform without creating their own choreography. They don’t have to spend time creating, and it would be good to perform without giving a credit to the chorographer. Hey! they’ve forgot things like copyright issues.

Ok fine! I even seen one of the teacher B she learnt it from A for a while, and she become a teacher after that. And B is teaching the same choreography that A use in her class routine, and guess what, when you go to the showcase, they are all the same choreographies you will see.

I remember when I first started teaching, I spent a lot of time when creating my choreography. It nearly took me a month to finish the whole music. As I grew in the dance, with the right knowledge and a concise process of creation, choreography can be much easier nowadays. It takes time for me to really learn how to teach well. Besides, my ability to teach also grew and I didn't need other people's work as a crutch anymore.

To create an exciting, dynamic dance, all you need to do is mastery of oriental dance technique, knowledge and acceptance of your capabilities and limits, understanding of the oriental culture and music, a good ear for rhythm and instrumentation, and the ability to visualize the effect and feelings you wish to portray.

Choreography is a talent like dance which can be learned, practiced and improved. However, also like dance, choreography is an art.

Life of Teaching Belly Dance ......

I wrote an article for my belly dance in 2006 regarding my experiences teaching dance. Since then, I never write again. But on and off, I will write my blog.

I am currently busy. It's been quite a long time with not even a update in my blog. Shame on me!!! Lots of things happened and if I tried to tell everything, you would be surely bored to death. So here goes some highlights of teaching days…

Since I started teaching, I'm always curious ... I don’t hand out a printed copy of my class rules, and I just go over them verbally. I've taken many classes with other instructors, and I do not recall receiving written or verbal instructions from any of them. Each time when I teach a new beginenr group, I do have a handout that I give out the first night of class, a kind of general info about Middle Eastern dance and the different kinds of styles and my philosophy. I’ve found that this works well.

Sudent asked me CDs for home practice, Usually I never give or burn to sell. I bought those CDs by independent musicians records copmany, and each time I’ll write a review or email to artist. I’m supporting those artists so in turn can get more music in the future! In this day and age, most music is quite easy to find and purchase. I don’t want to reproduce it, which is not a right in copyright issues.

My job is to actually TEACH DANCE, and along the way I want to make that experience fun, challenging, and gratifying, no matter what level someone is working at! Always, whether in group classes or in private lessons, I bring to my students two things : an extensive knowledge of dance and also my ability to communicate that knowledge with skill, humor, and honesty. And frankly, Sometimes it is the student, and their ability, or willingness, and I try to nudge them where they need to go.

I recently completed my intensive yoga course. I have revised my warm up to more seriously address the core muscle issues. My workout is no more that 5-6 minutes in length, but does warm up. This is important for the person who really wants to learn how to dance, I mailed flyers for publicity and all the belly dancers I knew. I want to start a new class for BellyRobics. I believe that this is beyond the "something fun to do" stage and into the "really want to learn how to dance" stage.

Fell in love with ATS Belly Dance

This is a hot topic for me right now. For as long as I can remember I have always loved to belly dance. This time I fell in love with American Tribal Style Belly Dance (ATS). The very first I attended Nigma’s ATS Tribal Certification Program, I was hooked. And it made me understand what is the different of ATS and Tribal Fusion. ATS describes the FatChance style of bellydance, and that the word "tribal bellydance" encompasses other styles, is the copyrighted Tribal Bellydance style of Carolena Nericcio, founder of Fat Chance Bellydance, based in San Francisco, California.

In this training program, we've all been drilled on the moves with finger cymbal repeatedly. I can really shut my brain off sometimes, because the moves are coming from muscle memory, and it's not dependent on what point the music is at, etc. That's what makes an ATS performance so magical, that silent communication that makes us wheel and move like a flock of birds.

I feel blessed to have belly dance in my life as well as the fabulous friends that this dance has brought to me.

If any one of you want to use the phrase "American Tribal Style" or the term of ATS for your dance style in an official way, there are resources available in the form of certification programs developed by Carolena, as well as teacher certifications and sister schools that are beginning to sprout around the world. I wish All Tribal Bellydancers owe a debt of gratitude to Ms. Nericcio and Fat Chance Bellydance Tribe.