Inspiration behind the new look & Goodbye!

Finally launched  my new look website, although happy with the content and layout of the site, there are still some of  the banners and need to work with a designer to create a consistent flow of images that depict the sections correctly…and the coding of the intro page still pending:)). 

I have paid particular attention to this while developing design of the new look! I really wanted my main content to be the focus rather than the design of the page, especially the workshop were made to catch attention. I love the colors, the bright green and black make them stand out above the background. I haven't added much work to my art gallery lately as scaling images to fit a design in all browsers is a bit tricky, it took me so long to figure that out.

In my last design I had linked my blog post, for  those who are interested, my website history  tells a story of my dancing.  I've experimented with over the last 6 years ... Has it really been 6years? :)  Wow..time flies! I am saddened to announce that I have decided to stop making posts to my http://arabesquebellydance-annie.blogspot.com site. This does not mean that I will stop dancing and entertaining; it just means that I will stop using current blogspot.com. Thank you for the feedback! I have read every message sent to me, and I have thoroughly appreciated all the kind words and support. It feels good to know that I was able to make days better for so many people. Without support from you, I would not have kept my site going for so long.

So, that is it. But, for now, I say "GOODBYE".

Super Busy Super Calm....

I am still doing my very basic breath meditation. Breathing just happens naturally on day 20th,  I  will be completing  total of  21days journal  and I am bringing to a habit. I am really occupied with my day and night that I hardly find enough time to rest, moreover when it comes to posting updates with regards to the happenings to my life, for sure my life aren’t  exactly dull... not exactly very happening at the same moment but we spent a lot of time practice  (we are currently preparation to perform for  a company annual dinner event) on next week. I watched their practice video, it  made me smile because the girls work hard to practice in a short time. Gosh…. The girls . were   exhausted but still can dance and they just want to dance... and I have too much energy within me.. hahahaha.. Think they  are all HYPERACTIVE like me!!

I was a bit regretted to accept this  offer as the person in-charge  is too demanding! When I had a conversation with him, I know he  has been heavily influenced by non-traditional aspects. First, he personally like that kind of hot and sexy dance uses pop, hip locks and drops, some undulations. I understand it can be very good  entertaining and interesting but I don’t consider it is strictly belly dancing! I  personally do not like that type of dance, and I think its honestly fake,  over done or  trying to incorporate a kind of "sexy" feel too it. It just makes me mad to say that something that is so lacking of culture can be considered belly dance!  I am  insulted  because I can understand what is it call  belly dancing (That's what I've spent my life learning) I think that people should know the amazing thing about belly dance is something that culturally beautiful!  And it is logical that as a dancer you would take the experiences and techniques that you have seen and been through, and you would add that to your dance, I am just most obviously biased because I DO have that opportunity to see and learn many many Egyptian style belly dancing.  

I have also found that many people are defensive about belly dance history. I am proud to say I  learn their  cultures arts because it helps me better understand the culture in a manner which is far more natural for me. Aahh....Anyway, everyone has there own opinion.  As I said earlier,  I never meant to insult anyone with what I said,  if I did I apologize,  I am not going to spend time on this,

As I have mentioned in my previous post, there is quite a lot of happening stuff going on this first quarter  of the year. The Chinese New Year gathering already line up!!  Some of friends and students  start planning  my birthday celebrations this year. I am not greedy,  I do not want to have a big celebration, I just don’t want all of you  waste your money buying  things for me! Hmmm...I am getting my BlackBerry handphone in next two week. Well, unless something happen and there is big surprise from heaven, I want to hear a birthday wish that I haven’t  got it for years. There is really only one thing I want. And I can tell you now that it’s not gonna happen, but it’s the first thing I think of when I start dreaming of birthdayland.

Because of my dance commitments, I just paid the fees  today for Hadia in Jakarta Training from 16^th  to 20^th April 2011. Next thing is booking the flight and accommodation. April is full of excitement!  Lots of crazy people, cocktails and great parties. I cry...and  my pocket cries with me,  Woo hooo !!

 

Breathing Make Me Move....

Its Day 12th meditation challenge -  I've been pretty faithful to my commitment to sit. I actually look forward to a special time in each day to be just with myself – to go slowly, breath and smile. And now  I'm coming to a place of peace with it though and I will not give up entirely. I'm so glad this came at the right time for me.  The most important is calm during my super busy time,   take a 'Pause' and make a quick mental checklist of what I am grateful for. I felt  calm and have peace no matter what's going on around me….even when feel tired and grumpy...there is space for all of these feelings to be held at once. 

To be useful to others,  thought must result in action. There must be no laziness only constant activity in good work!  So, I am not lazy and I work extremely hard!  I'll have to pay closer attention in 2011. I still have other things on my mind, so far….January – April  is booked and packed with quite a number of travel. The troupe is busy with practice, rehearsal and performance on 28th  Jan 2011. I am also a bit struggle to launch my new website with the fabulous  Serkan Tutar and Mercedes.Neito workshops. My web designer still  working on some mass updates on the videos and etc. I'll let the video speak for themselves. Hadia workshop on 9th & 10th April registration filling up fast so do not wait!! This is a great opportunity for every potential belly dancer to learn from  her. Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions about registering or the workshop. I can be reached by email at annie_arbq@yahoo.com or  by phone at  012-4895395.

Oasis Night!! Unforgettable Hafla with Amazing Raks Star, Hadia  is fixed on 8^th April 2011 (Friday). Thanks to Emily who is supporting my workshop by organizing the hafla for everybody to perform. The hafla is for  ladies event, no male this time but if you are male dancer,  you are most welcome to join us!   I'll post  it and spread the goodwill once the poster is ready. Please let me know if you want to perform so we can put you on the list, number of places is limited. So you can "add" us on Facebook  to follow news, photos, discussions, etc even if you can't make it to this year's workshop.  And for the latest program schedule, I’m updating it at this link.  Thanks everyone. See you soon! 

Much Love and God Blessing!

What’s Up On January 2011

What I start in January?  As you know me, I was diving into too many things all at once, nearly going crazy at one point because my mind was processing too much information. I finally  set  an hour meditation firmly in my waking early goal. The best in the early morning hours..... I decided to give it a trial and see how it works out for 21 days.  If it was really beneficial, I would keep it as part of my daily routines.  If it wasn’t, I would have learned from the experience.

Think about it, wake up at 5am for meditation.  Frankly speaking,  waking up early at 5am is  the hardest habits to cultivate for me. Tell you, today is my 7^th day that I woke  up early and stay up. Of course the alarm clock is essential items  in the first few days.  With the cultivation of this one small habit, I am able to, no matter how sleepy I am.  I  really wake up early,  I have  a very strong reason on why  I  want to wake up,  I want to do it. I  get off my bed to reach it. Thanks goodness  I don’t go back to bed after I turn it off!  

My friend told me I must know the purpose “why” I need meditation. I  remembered our conversation about the mind and my curiosity of how to "control the mind".  He  influenced me in this way, Silence - Gain Inner Peace & Grounded Calmer, and this is how I actually practice it. In the first 3 days I did it for 45 minutes, I got up after that because of  sharp nummed/pain when I crossed my legs for too long. It seemed like torture to me, since the pain in the legs can get intense with 1 hour  of sitting with no movement. During that time, I also thought I was supposed to enter this world of knowing everything. But it was absolutely nothing. Not even peace!! . Actually my mind was racing like normal. The 45 minutes of sitting restlessly thinking what’s next on my yahoo inbox and who updated their status on Facebook, or who sent me a text message. Thinking about “what suppose to happen?”  Thinking about “Am I doing this right?" I ended up with headache, sweat and vomit on my 1^st day. I know my mind was expecting too much. I expected  much because I felt I was "suppose to be there to see something" and that I was going to have some magical and wonderful meditation experiences. However, as I continued to meditate the days after, once I started practicing 15 minutes, I  try and reconnect again, I started slowly breathing and suddenly jumped into a very deep meditation experience. I began to feel peace. I didn't ask for it. I didn't expect it. But, there it was! It made me realize how noisy my previous unmeditated mind was and I was not even aware of it.  

It became obvious I am clear within myself, my thoughts, my emotions, my inclinations, as well as a strong enough “why” I adopt these habits.  I felt motivated, sparks and  inspiration carry me through in this week when  I take notes and focus on what I am  doing at the moment.  It's a new adventure. It is a time of year for me when ideas are flowing. New ideas for business, choreography, shows and class.   New trends continue to pop up and there is a sense of newness all around - energy and passion for 2011 and beyond!!!  Let's see how it goes if I continue to achieve success for the 21 days meditation.

My New Day Start....

Thank you for a great 2010! Each and everyone of you made it special in a way and I'm happy and thankful. Wishing all of you A Happy New Year 2011!

Almost exhausted with year end parties/gathering. Time to awake! I want to Awaken! I have to change, I need to change, I must change and I will change! It's not been easy, but this something that I need and want… Feel the answer within me, know the answer within me, and honor and respect it. I remind myself the first person I have to love… is ME!  I am beautiful, I am  amazing, I am courageous. After reading The Sphere of Silence,  I told my friend  I’m getting to start my purpose of  practice the journal  with Sphere of Silence. My dear friend, please pray for me, I need your prayer that give me  strength to  get up in an early morning  to sit, meditate, write, focus and set  goals on my purpose.  

Mean time, I am also updating my new website and loving it!. I’ m pretty new to the world of technology and as such grateful when someone explains something computerise to me, as a lot of the time I feel like a real techno- dinosaur.  I am working diligently behind the scenes to prepare my Master Plan. It is my road map, how fast I travel it depend on me, it doesn’t mean I want to achieve faster, but I am willing to put time and effort to commit to learn, to enjoy!  UP to now, thank goodness for my to-do-list. My brain functions better by seeing what I have to do on a piece of paper. I’ve experimented with different kinds of to do lists. There’s the simple master list that holds everything. For the longest time I never kept to-do-lists. I used to practice  to  keep my goals and reach them inside my head. Sometimes this worked quite well; thoughts are things which are simple to rearrange and update as requirements change, after all. Other times, not so much. In short, I forgot things when I let everything circulate in my brain without writing it down. You know me, I'm still doing it... One of my other to do next is to create a list for all the activities.  I love lists and especially as I get older I need lists – to do list is being the most used one. I find this helps to organise my learning and presents a clearer picture for me to work with. and now is the time. 

Now, I am open my eyes to say, This is a new day, I will live a new way, I will be a new person, I am Awaken to a new existence! Here is a quick peak on my current projects page.

My Last Post in 2010 - Joy of Receiving

The Joy of giving – better to give than receive. “All giving is an expression of joy. This is a great reminder. We give because of love, and we give without expecting anything in return. Give whatever you can to help others, be it may be time, food, consulting, services, money. If we only give with the expectation of receiving in return, we are missing the joy of giving. It's important to remember to give from our heart and not from a feeling of  MUST.

I learn to be independent from young age. I do the best I can not to rely on others for help. Ever since I used to have this mindset that whatever kind gestures I received from others, I have to return it back one day. I will only have peace in my mind after I have duly returned the kind gestures. I think I give more than I receive.

My students/friends gave me some souvenir each time after their holiday trip :) I cannot describe my joy thru this blog. I greatly appreciate in those little things. It doesn’t matter how small the gift is. It can be something as simple as a card or text message, but the excitement of receive each one of them brings a little delight into my heart.

My best friend gave me this book as one of my Christmas gift last week -  In The Sphere of Silence.  I felt joy in my heart. I went home and read it through the rest of the night and all through the next day until I finished it. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it! Among books that talk about the secrets of success, this is the only one that specifically deals with the importance of SILENCE. And now I can see much clearer in SILENCE and Peace. I end with a personal plea : don't stop writing, I felt ready to conquer the world, woohooo!! Thanks Vijay Eswaran. It’s time for me to move forward with what I want for my entire life. I highly recommend it to you if you need to change your 21st century Lifestyles.

Well, while it is better to give than to receive, I am willing to receive when someone gives in earnest. If I don’t, I deprive them of that warm, fuzzy feeling. I am now able to view the whole situation in a different perspective. When I receive/take, I’m actually giving the chance for my friend to enjoy the pleasure of giving and sharing. If done in the right spirit, giving and receiving are one and the same. There should be a balance in all things - Giving without expecting anything in return, and receiving with gratitude. I hope I am right to say so!

This will probably be my last post before Christmas 2010, since I’m trying to take some time off around the holidays. I'm excited! I'm looking forward to a break. I do have a lot of stuff lined up though for after Christmas and the new year, I will be back soon.

If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you have A Very Merry Christmas, indulge as much as you like, forget about work and then get ready to get back on it in 2011!

With much love!

December Update - New Newbie & Advance Class

Today I am cleaning my house and have been deciding what to keep and what to let go. Letting go of something I can’t have, letting go things that are not ‘MINE’ .  I am packing and getting things that make my heart just sing. 

I'd been wanting to go on an adventure, but had been so busy it just hadn't become a reality. It is a very hectic time for me when holiday mood sets in, especially  Christmas and  New Year. Oh….how sad  I never have a chance to walk down the streets of Orchard road this time.  I love the snow-themed everything and  I even love the non-stop playing of  Christmas music there. I don’t know how is the decoration for this Christmas. I hope it is not  too bright, I like decorations that create an atmosphere of winter.

Inspiration and motivation is coming at me fast and furious this week. Just yesterday I started a new beginner class for  every Sunday & Thursday. They are my new newbie!  I also started advance choreography for my senior students, 6 of  them really had fun with it. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of "wows". During  the 2 hours sessions, we just managed to dance for 32 seconds of whole track of 5 minutes music. I received the sms from my student after the class. She  told  me she is crazy fell in love with the music and my intelligence choreography. I think I always manage to surprise one another with the variety of styles and the quality of choreography that I come up with. They are my amazing students,  we're constantly learning from each other. I appreciated for what they do and the unique way in which they do it.

On a positive note, my attitude are more important than my intelligence. I see the reason why other can do, I also can do it, not the reasons why I can’t. I concentrate on my assets, that is  positive attitude to use my mind to create and develop an idea. Always develop  an ‘I can do it’ attitude.  So I put a lot of pressure on myself to work hard and believe in myself, believe I can do it. When I'm accomplishing some idea so I am super motivated. On the other hand, I read some articles about training, professionalism, career development and practical advice for dancers. It's definitely geared towards professionals which is great. I love it.

Many more private classes are lined up in the next few days for those who have always had trouble their turnout, they have to work on one-on-one technique sessions to get quick improvement. I say to myself,  doing something I  love and are passionate about and sharing it with others can be such a fulfilling journey, I loved to dance I loved to teach,  I'm glad I did. There is much to be thankful for!  

15 New Newbie in this class, a little crowded.

6  in  Advance, 3 didn't turn up.

My Wish In Advance

I am  declaring in advance -  My 2011 resolution is Healthy & Balance Life!!  Find a balance between the internet and those around me and take time to sit and have drinks/dinner together, not be so tied to a screen and a keyboard. For me my life is about connections connections with spirit and also personally. 

Somehow I’m  hoping for a miracle….. and I love to dream and think ahead, and DREAM BIG!!!  In my dream, move on – always look forward, it is my passion. Though obstacles get in my way which was holding me back from moving forward with my ideas. But,  I never  forget that I was supposed to be doing what I loved, and I made a decision that I had had enough. Life is too short,  I am convinced that simply to stop Thinking,  and start Doing!!  I know over thinking has only made things worse for me, both professionally and personally. My productivity mantra recently has been “Just do it.” Yay! Do it! Without dream and start doing  I will  not get what I  want.

I am  foreseeing I will be super doper busy in 2011! I am feeling lots of work piles up now. The music, the choreographs, organizing, dance communications and traveling. I am so excited! I am thankful that God has given me "spiritual gifts” , a desire and knowledge. He give me  roots and give me wings, he give me freedom to follow my  dreams,  I'm totally geared for the challenge now.

Here is the workshop I sponsored in 2011. Click  http://www.arabesquebellydance.com.my/flyer.html  for  2 days/ 11hours Workshop with Hadia in April 2011.

Please note :  Sept & Nov 2011 workshops are pending information .  You can't miss this event!!!! Payments, registration starting from May 2011.  For further details, please contact me!  

To read more about  Serkan Tutar,  visit  http://www.serkan.be/

To read more about Mercedes Nieto, visit  www.nietomercedes.com

Reflecting 2010 and Creating 2011

How time flies, we have left 3 more weeks for 2011 and am another year older. Sigh…so many ups and downs in early 2010. I cried non stop especially friendship, I really learned a lot about myself and my real friends. Very sad when people I thought were my friends, they leave me for the next best thing that comes along. Very sad when I gave myself unconditionally, without expectation, simply because I love them, respect them, care for them but then I was told that we cannot ball up and stand up for the friendship, sad that I’m simply not worth the effort. It broke my heart to think about, it still hurt! I admit I may not be the best friend in your world but I can honestly say I have the biggest heart, and I always sincere in everything I do. What a feeling of relief it is to believe that everything happens for a reason, I was firm on my decision, people change so I learn to let go, no one is 100% perfect!!

The holidays are here and so is the spirit of love, reflection, gratitude and giving. Fast forward in 2010, I am also thankful for being blessed along with joys and excitements. First, Thank you to all my students for your continuous support. I love you all! I'll continue to follow my passion to engage in both quality teaching in coming years. I make a list I want to teach next year. Must be determined what I want my students to learn and why. Make some of those determinations now before I turn my calendar to the New Year. It’s a long list and I need a couple of days to allow my mind to find these nuggets!

I dedicated myself to eating healthy and I had a very disciplined belly dancing & yoga. I took up an intense yoga practice every Tuesday. It was my "church". This was heaven for me because I was learning how to break the addiction of thoughts and just be at peace. My body - So happy I am still wearing the same size jeans that I wore when I was 28!! Yipppie! I am excited about new projects that I have planned up my sleeve. I am changing things up a little bit. This year I really made an effort to reach out and connect with more like minded people. I have found wonderful communities and I can see next year will be a better year! My heart is so joyous and I'm so proud to be working with the most amazing master on my projects. I'm humbled by the good will, the enthusiasm and professionalism of everyone involved. Thank you belly dancers/teachers/students. You Rock!!! More project coming up and  I'm committed hosting three wonderful master workshops, Yipppe!!Poster and details coming up soon!!

I had a chat with my student last night. I told her I am going to have another gathering before December 31st that I want to add “most fun” gathering. Too often fun gets sidelined, especially near the busy end of the year. I will not let it happen this time, make sure that we have some big fun before the end of the year.

My blog - I got some readers. Not a lot, but some. I got a little bit of traffic. There have been times when I’ve wanted to give up (and I actually did a few times). However, I’m still blogging. A few readers said some nice things about what I wrote. Thanks! I wish express my special Thanks for all the encouragement you have given me in the past (some thru my email & text sms). Facebook – I blocked some of friends from viewing my profile. Website - I start updating my website designed. I hope to have it up and running in the next couple months. Lot of writing to do!

Been reading a lot of Bible Study Notes, inspirational articles and touching stories recently. Sometimes, I would experience such gratitude that I would be brought to tears. But still I did not understand a lot of things but I do found a lot of things in there that supported what I believed about God. God created everything, he has the power to do anything and control everyone, but he give us freedom to choose between right and wrong, it was evident to me that it mattered a lot what I chose to do or how I chose to act. Deep down inside I knew that one day I would have to give an account for all my deeds. Yes, God sees everything and hears everything at everywhere. God loves everyone everywhere all the time no matter what. I promise, pray hard, work hard and trust God! 

Peace and Blessings to all.

When the calendar turns to a new year, it means more to learn,  change and improve.  A new chapter start, these actions will be like magic in my life.

Time To Rest !!

Back from Karen Madrid Castillo workshops. I suppose to join the dinner with Karen but I couldn’t find the way to E&O hotel. It was raining along the way which make me lazy to look for the place. I called Mee Mee to inform her I will not joining their dinner, I drove home straight away! I was exhausted after too much spin and turn!

Finally got a chance to learn from Karen before she leaves Malaysia to Mexico early Jan 2011. I enjoyed both of her drum solo and Isis wings choreographies very much! Fun and Energetic but gets dizzy spins too much! I am not sure whether she will back or not, but I surely hope she will!

As I said, this is my last workshop in 2010. And here I am not going to go suck in writing. Lot of things to do before year end. It is time to give myself a Rest and to allow my mind to find what I’ve learned this year. Huh… it is a long list, it is time to allow my mind to find these nuggets!! Just posted some photos to share.

Karen demo barrel turn

Isis Wings & Drum Solo Workshops with Karen Madrid

This will be my last workshop in 2010. The workshop is organized by Ang Mee Mee in Penang on 27th & 28th Nov 2010. If  I don’t  paid  in early, I think I will give an excuse not to attend.  Seriously,  I took up too many workshops this year. I'm on a a bit tight budget in this month due to the floods, class only  started  last night, half of students still not turn up to class,  I’m really looking forward all will come back on this Wednesday,  fingers crossed!  

2nd thing – I don’ t know why  my car’s windscreen cracked, bottom on the drivers side. It started with a fine cracked line and 2nd day was much longer (14”) and  definitely needs to be replaced.  This morning I run out to Toyota workshop replaced a new one. Unfortunately, I don't have the windscreen option on my insurance,  it really burned up my pocket after came back from Ipoh.

Karen came here for  3 years, if I’m not mistaken. This is  my 1st time to learn from her. We met several times when attended others master workshop, and judging the competition & dinner  together. I got a shock when Mee Mee told me Karen is leaving Malaysia and  back to Mexico in  early Jan 2011 PERMANENTLY! Another good dancer/teacher is leaving us!! (Last year was Paola Blanton) I'm so glad that I got the chance to attend her workshops before she leave us.

There will be a farewell buffet dinner for Karen after the Isis Wings workshops on Sunday, 28th Nov in Penang. I don’t know where is the place for the dinner yet, as usual, will call & check it out from  Mee Mee later, make sure I bring my jeans  for photo session! Make sure I bring my wings for workshops!

Karen Madrid, a winner of Jillina's famous Belly Dance Evolution show casting competition will be conducting Isis Wings and Drum Solo for the first time in Penang! Workshops are targeting dancers with Intermediate to Advance level.

 

Wings of Isis Dance

It was such a lonely  day when my mom is not at home. Pity me.....I cooked maggie noddle for lunch, fast and  have some food in my stomach. Dinner ate biscuits with coffee, huh...cant sleep now!   Before going to throw my pillow and bolster across the room,  I am going to upload this video - Wings of Isis. 

Nicole requested me to create a choreography for Wings of Isis Dance, she said the dance is to be performed on her wedding night. Eventually she knew the Wings of Isis are a skilled tools and it’s always  capture the attention of an audience, so  the Wings of Isis dance is a surprise to her hubby. It brought tears of  joy to my ears !  After seeing her willingness to take hard work to practice, I suggested we set up semi-private lessons so they could learn to lift up the postures, bird arms positioning and etc!  After a couple of private lessons,  I choreographed  a beginner level  of  the dance with the 5 minutes of  music!  We knew we just had to learn to do that!

And finally, a performance with Isis Wings with my students  made  an unforgettable impression to Nicole’s wedding.

Working With My Troupe

 

I have been a bit in a stir since watching this video. The experience to form a troupe  was truly a life experience. It shed light on things that I didn't even realize were effecting me so deeply. It was touched they sewed their group costume, how hard they put their effort to come to practice.

Teaching a troupe dance is  PATIENCE. First of all, I love what I am  doing,  then it seems natural to create [a sense of] patience…it really takes A LOT of patience, especially when you have some beginners who is slow…and some are  a very quick beginner who understands, picks up and goes right along with the foundation work.

I remember Serkan told us during his workshop,  “Remember where you came from.” And remember that the bottom line should be not so much who’s greater than who, but who has the most fun. Not who dances the best, but who’s having the greatest time out there, because, after all, I think that’s what dancing should be. And every one movement & style are unique! It should be part of our life in the cultural way that we experienced it, the important thing is fun and enjoyment.

Thank you Master Serkan! And  Thank you my lovely students.  You are the best and hope all of you continue to dance!