Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Update Hadia Workshop
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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

Thursday, January 22, 2009
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*
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Gong Xi Fa Chye Belly Dance Gathering

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

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.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Miss Photogenic Contest & Dance Talent - Part II
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.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Miss Photogenic Competition & Dance Talent
Okay! get ready, get set and go get prepared for the belly dance lovers.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009

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 !!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Raks Assaya or Saidi Cane Dance
I bought during Bali Lotus Dance Retreat 2007.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.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Mailed Hadia's Workshop Mar 2009
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.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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

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.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
ATS Tribal Belly Dance
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!
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.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2009
"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
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!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
My Kids Belly Dance
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.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I'm Sick
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The More Practice, The More Better!
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
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.
Monday, December 8, 2008
New Drills
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.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
NEED A BREAK TO THINK ABOUT IT
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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Belly Dance Hafla 2009
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

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 !!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
NEW INTAKE 2009
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

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!
Planning for 2009

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! !
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Back From Egypt

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.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Go...Go...Go..
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!!!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hurray for Change… Money Time
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.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Thank You For Your Encouragement!!!
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.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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!
Praparing To Cairo...
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?

1001 Night Beely Dance Party
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!


Thursday, October 30, 2008
Dancing In My Dream

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







