Woopy....

I am now sitting in Airport, going to depart to Bangkok. This trip is my personal holiday, it is not a dance journey. I am now taking to reflect things I have done for my dance teaching and things I like to look forward too. I will write and make a list! Besides reflecting, I am blessed to have such a fabulous ‘family’— talented, loving, supportive students, and they are just damn fun! At the same time think about my possibilities to bring something challenging in my day-to-day dancing life also.

I still can't believe how fast this month has flown...One of these days, we are going to have our Christmas dinner with my Christian friend, Susan. I only got chance to meet her during Christmas time. Again, she invited us for the church anniversary event. She is so happy when I told her 10 of my students are coming. I'm going to just give out my cards soon, with the website printed, to likely candidates, or may be just text sms when I am not able to see those always busy friends. Then, when I am back, we have a rehearsal, we are performing on new year eve soon, the 1st time in Alor Setar China town new year eve festival!!

Woopy! Till here then, this is going to be my fun shopping weekend.

Holiday Brainstormed

testing my camera shoot

Turtle Bay

we screamed out loud when someone throw the see cucumber to us

Over the weekend, I went to Pangkor Island. This time we were in the large groups of 9 families drove all the way from K/L to Lumut. I took a late night coach and arrived in the morning at Puduraya, then we went straight to Pangkor Island. After parking we walked up to the jetty. It cost RM10.00 per day on weekdays but we need to walk to the Jetty which is about 5 minutes away. Alamak!! During school holidays, there was a long queue of people at the jetty. I had to stop twice because of the searing pain in my legs. And I walked like a duck. Ah ha…Thank goodness, nobody see my walk. I was very exhausted and as soon as I arrived in the hotel, I took a long nap while others went out to the beach.
I spent most of my time lazing in the room and eat, eat and eat and sleep. It make me fresh and energetic. Of course, I never forget the things I do for love - brainstorming of my "favorites". I was able to note it down in black and white, where maybe I can build up some techniques to fill out my dancing. Huh, so the first thing that struck me about this list was that I must practice harder till I completely comfortable with that I use it regularly while improvising without actively thinking too much about it.
Well, This trip was good except I missed out the water sport fun. But I had an only chance to cycle around the island before we check out on the 3rd days. I choose the small bicycle, so that I can just use my right leg as breaks when I don’t want to put too much pressure on my injured leg. I managed to cycle some distance at the coaster road, halfway cycle I return back because no strength to go uphill.. I end up walking my bike a good amount of the time. Haha… My palms hurt as I gripped to hard on the handles, fearing that I would lose balance and fall.
I’m off work on Wednesday again. Start my vacation week to Bangkok. This is so good. It’s gonna be a shopping, eat, sleep and shopping week. Next week, I'll tell you about my adventures in Bangkok. Meanwhile, have a great weekend, get your Christmas shopping done early and be well, my students and friends. Cheers!

Be More Patience...

After the third days on medication, I noticed my foot turned purple and along with my calf injury and I had a severe swollen ankle. Now that my calf is healing but still hurts a little when I first stand, seems odd... This thing cannot possibly heal soon enough as far as I'm concerned. I canceled my Wednesday & Thursday class. Not much that I can do about it except have to be more patience. :-(

Great. Now, I can go home early for dinner with my mom. I have more time to read my book. Oh…This book I bought years ago and have been putting it aside - Thick Face, Black Heart by Ching Ning Chu. Its quite interesting and I just cant put it down... It also described how to be “Thick Face, Black Heart” practitioner helps you with all aspects of your everyday life, but more importantly when we put the principles into practice within our business skills. It gives you a clear and powerful understanding of human nature. The author also approached in a different way to explain a little more about why “Nice guys” don’t win, and why “being nice” isn’t as nice as it seems. And when practicing a black heart can be equated with spirituality. I don't believe this point. Anyway, I better censor my thoughts. You know, just in case. If you read this book, write me about your comment.

Two of the CD's I ordered earlier have arrived, "Music for Arabian Dance" and "The Essence of Belly Dance". It turned out to be great timing, since I can lay down dancing to a song from each of the two albums. Hurray… for no teaching class!

My Calf Muscle Torn

Thank God for Nanci. Always interesting to see different teachers styles. A couple of REALLY good tribal workshops! After a few different basic move but then explored LOTS of different ways to learn Tribal Belly Dance. The "Mirroring each other " part of the workshop is open myself to new experiences. I had so much fun and felt really creatively inspired! My arms were so tired, my hamstrings were cramping! The 6 hours’ time just rushed past too quickly. I learned that Nanci needed to be at the airport for around 5:45 pm, then we quickly rush to the airport.

I love this cute chest circle, can you do it ? Remember the 1/4, 1/2, 1/2 1/4!

Diagonal to right - Chest circle to R/B/L/F
½ turn start with left foot,
½ turn come back to position.
¼ turn to diagonal to left - Chest circle to L/B/R/F
½ turn start with right foot,
½ turn come back to position.
¼ turn to diagonal to right & repeat.

I usually will run through the moves after workshop or to review the notes. I was tired last night, after rest awhile and regain my strength, I spent a lot of time moving around the floor. Hmmm…and suddenly, I heard a ‘pop’ and felt a bang on my left calf, I was feeling like someone threw a rock at my leg!! I turn my head and look around around, not sure what’s went wrong, all of sudden I cant put my weight on my left foot. I screamed because of deep pain, I then shout my mom for help, she applied the massage cream and help me to patch ‘traditional china koyok’ on my calf. This is the only way she can do in the mid night. Thank to my mom have to poured water for me.

My mom and my friends said I have damaged the achilles tendon. Both of them said this could be a partial rupture. This morning I went straight to KMC before I go to my office. According to orthopedic doctor, it was my muscles torn in my calf. The doctor told me to stay off from exercise for as long as it takes heal completely. He recommend at least 2 weeks, and make serious calf stretching an integral part and icing it on and off. While sitting in front of the doctor, I said ‘yes ok ok’. Thankfully my leg is not swollen. But now I can't walk on my left leg except on inward-twisted tiptoe. I need to ice it, relax, stay off my feet for a few days, If after a few days the pain still persists I need an ultra-sound. Oh God, I am feeling sick for my calf pain. I am feeling sick of taking pain killers, I don’t want taping techniques to support the injured tendon!!! Its no joke and such an inconvenience.

I never cancel my evening class, I still will go, but you dance I watch, all of you will be under my watchful eyes!

Learn Real Tribal Belly Dance

Not feeling well today. All I can say is thank god I don't have to get up early in the morning!

I took out my homework given by Nanci, get myself ready to fill up the part ‘student to fill up’ then get ready to practice, my challenge tonight will be drilling with a swollen ankle. Okay, see, I stepped into a big hold while walking to the car park with my high heel, thankfully didn’t fall but woke up discovered my ankle swollen – nothing serious still can practice Isolations, pop and locking for muscle control.

Sunday is our 2nd workshop with Nanci. We are going to learn the Eight Basic movement in Tribal Belly Dance - First 4 Tribal basic moves & Second 4 Tribal basic moves. There will be a lot of body work this time but little paper work :) this is what Nanci told me. Anyone interested in a Tribal Fusion should consider the foundation of movements is where all the Tribal Style movements are based off of. I am happy with this great deal to learn and experience the REAL Tribal in dance and the music. Nanci is a great teacher. She had a lot of lovely moves in there... and some facial expressions and arm movements. And its an amazing price too! I really recommend it!!!!!!!!! See you on Sunday.

Holiday Mood

Where has the time gone? This means we're just 3 weeks away from Christmas. December is sure to get anyone in the “holiday mood”. Well, It is time to take a break from your work to enjoy some relaxation with your family. Others, like my students, they are on vocations. I know the "holidays mood” and its attendant "spirit" will soon be in the air. So my new class still not open yet.

I remember one of my friend told me that in our journey for survival we did not find time to enjoy and keep each other company; like what his Australian friend once told him – “You Malaysian don’t know how to enjoy over a dinner together!” You know why he said this? Because each time when my friend have a dinner with him, my friend always rush in and rush out to answer the phone call. While, when the dinner is plan, this Australian friend make sure the dinner is 4-5 hours long with lots of beers and wine, and surely there must be Karaok lor. This Australian friend really make so much fun for every one! All of them will be drunk and dancing and singing “We are the world” together, hugging each other and everyone singing like drunken frogs.

I think what he told me is true, we fail to enjoy. We work hard and miss to enjoy hard. This made me think about the importance of my daily work or dancing in my life. As it is with dancing, I think I physically and mentally suffer when I'm not writing (lot of tasks because of planning). For the past few weeks, I haven't been writing anything much, I felt crabby and just plain out of sorts....

Now I am just catch up on reading or continue to write, either out of habit or simply because I don't have a house full of relatives visiting. Yahoo.... I am also taking a very short break to go to Pangkor Island next week and then Bangkok. I will keep working, keep posting, keep dancing every day.

3rd Annual Hafla DVDs

I just spent a LOVELY couple of days shopping, enjoying food with my family and friends in KLCC, Mid-Valley, Sg. Wang…Wowww….of course money also beautifully spent for bags, clothing, shoes, accessories… I bought lots of lovely things and feel good about the spending because it all goes to worthy causes!!! hmm… as long as feelings happy!

Came back from shopping, we finally watched our hafla DVD. I felt I danced well with my wings. It was because I danced to a song that I really love and I able to completely lose myself in it.....It was good to learn - KNOW your music inside out before you perform to it! And I love to watched our group folklore dance with our full costume. I felt I was back in Cairo while the costume lengthen my entire body. Haha… when I designed this costume for my students, they told me it looks so “lao yi” (old woman) only with two side slits allow our legs to peek out. My colleagues who came that night enjoyed the show too and gave me lovely feedback on our costume. Ahhh… now everybody love our costume!

I had amazing time with the video, I love their smiling, everyone seemed to have fun, they were full to bursting! Thanks to EVERYONE who made that night one of the best hafla (at least that’s what was being said within my earshot!!!!)

The DVDs are ready. You can collect the copy by tomorrow. Goodnight all. Thank you for sticking with me by reading all the way through to this point!

Back to Beginner for Tribal Belly Dance with Nanci Traynor

I hosted Tribal Belly Dance Workshop Series (30 hours) with Nanci Traynor. I am back to being a beginner. I have to keep moving forward, devouring whatever I can find. Yes! I was Back to beginner again in 6 hours workshop today!

Wow…Nanci got so much to share with us! Now I understand why we need 30 hours for this Tribal Belly Dance. Oh ya… I just wanted to clear up that, the 30 hours workshop is not mean for teacher training.

The first half of the class was focused in yoga. Nanci is knowledgeable about muscle movement work for this dance. She strongly emphasized safe posture again and again! The techniques she was teaching were quite different from many of the things I have learned before. The topic was “The body does what” today? Nanci only taught side to side, up and down, arms & anatomical illustrations, in this 6 hours workshop. To me, it was amazing because I want to learn tribal belly dance from the root. This part of the workshop was PACKED with tribal drills and it was very valuable to me.

Nanci handouts her well organized and comprehensive notes of history, choreography, homework and practice worksheet. She want all participants to practice before we continue in next coming workshop. I was impressed with the way Nanci keep the class on focus while making the class feel relaxed and fun. Her long history with the dance (her teacher is Rossah, one of Jamila Salipour’s multi talented dancers, and started dancing when she was 4) really shows through her teaching and knowledge, both about dance and movement. Again, she provided an excellent handout. I promised, I must practice, practice, practice.

Eating & Red Wine Celebration ...

We went back to Sentosa Regency hotel for dinner last Wednesday. Another round Teacher and students enjoy and celebrate for “eating” without wearing our Costume. And I invited my Emcee – Seow Peng to join us. This is because she were busy like us, didn’t have time to enjoy the food on that night. I made a purpose to reserve this table for my students but some of them did not turn up Yik Peng came to join us after her working trip from Langkawi, she brought 5 litres of Red Wine. Yoh…! We only drank only 1 litre. Not everyone drink alcohol and we have a great time gossip about the past hafla. I am glad when Seow Peng told me she heard the great feedback from the audience.

And the 2^nd rounds, we celebrated in pajamas…I remember that night, my heart hurt but I still smile..argh.!!! I hate so much this feeling!!!

Speaking of videos, And it looks like the DVD will be coming out soon! The video should be ready for purchase soon. I can’t wait to see all the performances I missed because I was busy at the backstage.

Women, Girls Are Goddessssss ...

Opening Dance - performed by Arabesque Students

Annie & Jitra Students performed Folkloric Dance

Sumy Troupe - Bkt Mertajam

Nanci TraynorCarolyn Cheah Drumsolo

Arabesque Troupe Dance Khai Shin - ZeanaIvy - Ana Yalli Bahebak
Kids Belly Dance Ong Kher Ting - Cane Dance Teoh Siew Ling - Oriental DanceJenix & EvonDuet - PenangYin Shu & Albee Duet - Nigma Shaabi
ATS - Arabesque Advance StudentsTribal Fusion - Siew Ling & Khai Shin

Yes, my dancers have done me proud! They have worked so hard to get this far, believing in this dance, in me, and mostly in themselves! It takes courage, time, discipline, desire, and yes, some money, to keep studying with me. And they want more…I got to work hard which I am always doing, that makes my job of helping the student be the best dancer that they can be. Yet it always brings me full circle back to my teachings. I also continuously learn from my students, so there is that circle too.

Moon Goddess hafla theme! I am here to explain since so many of you asked why I named it. In Mandarin, the pronunciation of Night is moon, but I don’t want to make up a theme that sounds Night Goddess, this is how I created Moon Goddess. So simple and we were all Goddesssss on that night!

When Girls or women dance, she is a Goddess. The human body has a natural appetite for rhythm, and while dancing, not only does the dancer's body vibrate, but by its rhythmic character, also spurs the viewers to a vibrating response. And thus in dance, motion and emotion are interchangeable. The capacity for such interchange and build-up of feeling is at the root of the identification of dance as a sacred overture. The dancer becomes amplified into a being endowed with supra-normal powers, and her personality is transformed. It is a form of magic.

Yea...Yea... Women are Goddessssss - A child's first master is always his/her mother. Women have two natures, two distinct characters, as both lover and mother. Woman is the originator of families, Indeed woman is superior to man in many ways. Hey girls and women, you know right?

God So Cruel….Human So Cruel...

Cruel…Suddenly it’s true! No longer that I choose. When someone is cruel towards me personally, the hurt can be devastating, particularly when I have done nothing to deserve the unkindness or cruelty. I may even ask, why are people cruel? Why are God so cruel….?

Ok, so this blog has nothing to do with dance but I'm human and just like everybody else. I can break down!! Somehow the encouragement I had repeated in my head all day was gone… The last few days I can't get my mind off of someone who hurt me, and I feel just awful. I curling up on the couch with a great book cheers me up. And I keep reminding myself that I am worthy, my mind keeps telling me positive things.

Crawl into God’s lap, and let myself cry there; let him stroke my hair, and whisper to me that this time will eventually give me enough strength to see the light that eventually shines through….

I sat down and I opened my happy notebook. I am touching and Thanks for everyone concern. I am sorry for my last blog post that made my students worried. I cancelled my 3 teaching classes to calm and relax. I felt better now. A thought has occurred to me. I keep myself busy…ya…I love being busy, I love having my room filled with my costume, books, accessories need me to tidy up, I love all of the problems that want me to solve, and even the ones that don't get solved can teach me something.

I will be strong and continue to learn, No big deal! This “little” cruelty did not affected me. I know I have a journey ahead of me, but I plan to go on this journey strong in my faith, and knowing that the outcome will be a good one. God you willing response to me?. I am waiting to hear His voice right now…..

Cheer Up! Cheer Up!

I suppose to be very happy today when I got these messages :

"You are all in white, with your arms extended, your wings ready, opened to embrace the universe. I would like to share this inner glow. It attracts me irresistibly. Will you be my friend on this facebook. Women are Goddesses.”

"I love your Hafla theme and and your white costume and wings. You look like a Moon Goddess in the spotlight! Fabulous planning. You look very beautiful”

Thank you for your kind words, Maryam Dominique Ghassémi. She is one of Nanci student. Thank you to so many good friends and students. Thank you for all the good wishes! That’s all because of belly dance passion that make me plan, think, do, move and creates magic in my life.

Every day I am amazed my passion grow for this beautiful dance. I do need encouragement from time to time, when things aren't going well or when I feel unsure of myself, I need it more often than others. But during that time it's good to know that there is someone who is always there to give me all the love and all the encouragement I need every day.

I am crying when I would have to make some sacrifices now, I feel like everything I worked for is gone! It stinks! It hurts, stings...hurts, it’s uncomfortable. Well, I would take a little while to get over my hurt feelings. I tell myself to cheer up but tears come all too naturally.............. I am a crying Goddess today!

Mistake on CDs Again

It was my Big mistake again on the CDs. My troupe supposed to continue to dance to the 2nd track song after their 1st dance. Remember we got performed on the 12th night? Just 2 days before the hafla. I forgot to put back that CD and it was kept in another bag outside the ballroom (with my maid). While you girls were posing after the 1st track on the stage, it's too late if I walk out to collect the CD from the maid, finally I decided to let the emcee announced the technical error on the CDs. A bit disappointed let you off the stage! I apologies.... All in all, you girls did a good job on the 1st track. I always make a check list of what I need to bring - and I did this one week before eh...something went wrong again!

And helper members arrived late, it's true eh.... a bit ‘karang-kabut’ when some were no experience in handling. I briefed everything about the event a week before, come early so you can find out where the changing rooms are, where to get your seat, get the program to check the time for your turn etc...but some of you don't know where to find your sitting table. Thanks for your time - not puncture students, you missed out the group photo fun before the event start !! You guys finally got to see what goes on on hafla. The table was overflowing with yummy foods and the ballroom smelled amazing and the lights and tapestries gave the room the most wonderful atmosphere! In conclusion, tell me about your experiences on this hafla.

Magical Wings

I absolutely love my white Wings. I have wanted to dance to it for over a year. I finally found it...I appreciated so much the techniques I learned the bird arms to hold, to swirls and learned which muscles move when practice. Thank you to Asyhe private workshop. I got a ton out of this workshop. What I can say is that it was incredible, the best workshop experience but I honestly can't really talk about it. Anybody who want to learn the completely wings techniques, stay tune for Asyhe workshop, I will let you know when these are, as soon as I’ve finalised everything.

However, I am proud of my performance as that was completely improvised from my heart. I don’t smile when I danced with my wings but the music made me move gracefully with them, I love the sexy dance walks with wings, I made myself sexy...hehe. This was a lovely experience. Ayshe said this : Wings are absolutely unforgiving: used in an amateurish manner, they will exaggerate postural ineptness and inadequate muscular control. Oh my wings...I am pushing myself harder than ever maintaining the "line" of the body, a strong, elongated, arched silhouette bespeaking thoughtful study and practice. I'm looking forward to the end result almost as much as I'm enjoying the journey.

Well, my white costume really work for my barrel turn, the flow and the music. I started sewing the bra top just before 5 days of hafla. Thankfully, it is not heavily sequined, so even if my shimmies were fairly small, the stage lights reflecting off the sequins made them visible.

My friend wanted to borrow my white costume, I’ve been wanting to work on a new costume for awhile now. I have many inspirations that are helping me to create a look that is my own. I want to create new bra, harem pants, and a skirt.

It was magical with wings...... Hope to see you there next year!

Our Grand Hafla Party!

Back to work today! I am still recovering from our 3rd Annual Hafla this past Saturday. It was such a long day but well worth all the effort as the hafla was a huge success and everyone had a Blast!! So nice to see everyone enjoying themselves in the Putra Ballroom. I have no words for this night. At 7.45pm we started off the performances. You rock girl! Big thanks to Seow Ping - it was her debut as a Emcee and I thought she did an awesome job! We will have teacher & students celebration on this Wednesday Night in Sentosa Regency Hotel at 7.30pm. Upload few pictures here.... Hope to see everyone there!!

Rehearsals Month

We just finished our rehearsal in the hotel last Saturday. We sweat a lot because no air conditioning supply during that time and we only have 2 stand fans. It was pretty tough and we did many rounds for the group dance. Every year, I have new students, and they never attend the hafla before. Usually I will encourage them to perform if their confidence built up.

I ‘screwed’ my students when they don’t pay attention. We have so much to do and so little time! We only have 4 hours for the rehearsal in the hotel. Ugh... So sorry... When it comes to performance, there are rehearsals to attend, choreography to learn, costumes, accessories and some extra make-up to purchase. There are photos, video need to be taken, tickets for the show for family and friends, etc..& etc. So here to remind you, every performing is expensive!!! Aside from the money, there is time commitment! It is good manners to show up for all of these rehearsals, so that is a major time commitment.

Group Dance - We had spent the entire month of October learning and practice. The back row dancers is sometimes more important than the front- especially when in formations. Plus, sometimes it's easier to see the back dancers depending on where we are sitting. Performing can be one of the greatest experiences in your dance studies. Just remember, enjoy this moment and keep in mind that you are part of the group.

By the time we done with the rehearsals, we were exhausted. I came home and I was a zombie for most of Saturday. I just do nothing and went in bed at 9pm. More rehearsing tomorrow, my stress levels are going through the roof! I have dances to learn, so I’d better get back to it. Okay, time to get some sleep. See you very soooooooooon.

Beautiful Art of Oriental Dance

Oooo!! This is my favorite of Oriental Style!!

Power Of Softness - Oriental Dance

Received an email from Hadia and knowing that she is back in Canada now. She return to Budapest, Hungary after a 3 year absence and she was in a truly inspiring week with her very talented student - Mercedes Nieto.

Mercedes Nieto is one of Hadia’s student and if you ask her she will tell you that Hadia is her #1 teacher and mentor even though she takes classes with other people all the time to keep growing.

Hey! despite the belly dance superstar, the world is full of fabulous Stars ! I watched Mercedes Nieto's video when Hadia told me about her in March earlier. Since then, Mercedes became one of my favorite dancers now! She is adorable! Her interpretation of the legendary Oum Kalthoum song is absolutely stunning and lovely!!!!I Her expression, movement, emotions, flow is an incredible honor to watch it all day long.

To be honest, I began to see the differences in the dance styles. Earlier years, I began dancing in American Belly Dance style. The “Belly Dance” in local is usually the American Belly Dance comprised of various components taken form different areas of dance. The result is not a traditional or culturally of Middle East culture or dance ethnography. And some do-it-yourself dancers are skipping lessons and turning to YouTube learned by observing and imitating. Of course, it’s impossible to stop people from imitating. It’s also unreasonable to blame the YouTube. I am here to say dancers would continue to hurt themselves while trying to copy what they see. It remind me Hadia’s made the elegant statement for her fabulous warm-up and cool down, and a section on body alignment. She really stresses posture and where the movement comes from, muscle-wise. Dancer need to take a good honest look at your dance talent. Don’t make the leap to professional dancer if your skills aren’t up to the level necessary to be successful. Keep Taking Class and Learn – Sure you could have danced for 20 years at your home but if you’ve never taken a class with the train instructor, your picture and resume are going in the trash.

Enjoy the video! If you say Mercedes Nieto it isn't enough good, please show that you can do it better.