I figured out my own YouTube account just in time to share some gems from this event I participated in and enjoyed this past weekend. Which is a good thing, because when it comes to belly dancing and fusion dance styles, words just don’t do it justice! The entire production was planned and orchestrated by my dear and talented instructor, Rachael Gollub, and my only complaint would be that she didn’t grace the stage with her awesomeness.
My henna peacock coming to life
I have some examples of flamenco-infused, flapper-influenced belly dance and some popping fusion with a live drummer. I’ve thrown in a clip of a ‘Body Percussionist” because he was a true talent and I love his laugh! (You can hear it in the background on the video I shot of Sabrina Fox)
“We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.” Japanese Proverb
It was a weekend where dancers and artists converge to share a passion for all things dance and the costuming and accessories that go with it! There were workshops (I took a flamenco colored class with the multi-talented Myra Krien) a fashion show like you’ve not seen before, and vendors (yup – I indulged!), and even my very favorite henna artist, Debbie, who calls herself the Henna Crone was in attendance! I love that name and it somehow doesn’t fit someone of such delicate and precise artistic abilities.
Calamity Sam and Heather Shoopman belly dancing at Cafe Aroma
I had the honor of performing for the kick-off evening on Friday with two troupe members and I guess I can share the suuper short clip my friend took of us on her iPhone. When you see me – having fun for sure! – you’ll realize how much I appreciate the heavy hitters of this form of dance. I think that is one of the unsung benefits of studying any discipline; you get such a sense of appreciation and admiration for those who embrace the art and excel at it. So, let’s embrace! Reminder: We are not choreographed. In the first video, I am in the lead and my luuvly ladies are following me seamlessly!
Now for the Super Stars! Sabrina Fox is actually currently touring with the BellyDance Superstars show and it was such a treat to have her grace our little artsy town with her bodacious fusion belly dance beautifulness! (She’s a sweetheart, too, by the way)
Myra Krien performs a powerful and moving flamenco-inspired belly dance. It seems almost to be a belly dance-inspired flamenco number! Whatever it is labeled, I loved it.
Last and anything but least is of the dancers is Mardi Love. She has danced with the BellyDance Superstars as well and is now an illustrious member and choreographer of the dance troupe, The Indigo. I love her stage presence and her individuality. I call this “Flapper Fusion” Belly Dance. I hope she approves 😉
And because I luvs ya, I had to include Danny “SlapJazz” Barber; the versatile and larger-than-life body percussionist. Enjoy! (and I dare you to not tap along)
I would love to hear your stories and input about the journey dance has taken you on in your life. For more BellyDance Bliss, see Belly Dance Beginnings or my other ponderings here.
All photos and video by G.Stark except the video OF me, by K. Halkin and the cover photo by P.Stark
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Lovely post! I'm so happy that you included videos! 🙂 When you gave me the link to your youtube belly dance video I got lost in all the different belly dance videos on youtufbe…. for hours… 😀 One day I guess I have to learn it myself… Until that time I follow your dance journey and long to dance myself again… 🙂
Fabulous!
Suuper post as ever Gina, enjoyed the videos. I fear that Belly Dancing may be beyond me but Body Percussion – a bit of practice and You Tube here I come LOL
A great read as ever! Thanks
Heyyyyy Tenny! 🙂 Thanks so muuchly for your loyal visits and comments. #MakesMeSmile 🙂 That body percussionist, Danny, had many different ways of eliciting percussion from his body – I didn't look for other video of him on YouTube but it's highly likely there are some! He was sitting next to me while we were mesmerized by the dancers, and he was not only laughing a hearty belly laugh (how appropriate!) but was also smacking out a rhythm on his chest and knees along with the drummers. Good stuff! Huugs of gratitude! G
Aaaand–she wouldn't say it herself, but SuuperG herself had a big hand in making the show a success. Her "sandishness" came in quite handy with her gastronomic talents. What a delectable spread. Do we get to see the photos?
haha I can't believe you used "sandish" :} but I love that you did! As for photos…you know how much I detest flash. Well, in this case, maybe one would have come out in focus! lol Eeeek! Thanks again for bringing an amazing venue of beautiful belly dance to our cozy arty community. We are so blessed in YOU! XOXO G
Wish I was there, but now I feel like I was (a teensy bit)… Love the costuming, the moved, the sensuousness and I can alllmost taste the food. 🙂
Wish you were too! There will be other events I will drag you to…I need a "built-in" dance partner. And you are STUCK with me, so you may as well don some zills 😀 Thank you, sis, for visiting and for the BD love xoxoxo Sista G
Yay, Gina!! I love love love this! You were fantabulous! You are my inspiration to dance. xo
Peri! You are too kind! But I am thrilled to hear that you’re inspired to dance! How can one carry any burdens when they are dancing? (((huugs))) to you and thank you for stopping in with love xoxo G
Ohhh hon! I replied and it seems my replies went WHOOOOSH into the wild blue! I love that you love this and I LOVE that you are inspired to dance. You just made my day/week/month…!! #HipBumps and #ShimmySmooches xoxoxo G
That second video is one of the best things I have ever seen.
Isn’t she fabulous? She’s a cool person, too 🙂 Thanks for visiting, T 🙂 Cheers! G
Heehee – I'm glad I could provide for you, my belly-dancing appreciating friend! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and for your praise 😀 Cheers & hugs! G
These are ALL SO BEAUTIFUL~!!! You are a lady of MANY talents, Gina~! Hiking, mountain climbing and belly dancing~!! w00t~!!! I love your versatility, girl~!! ROCK IT~!!!
x0x
Anita @ModelSupplies
I do nothing very well…but I certainly do have fuun! 🙂 I'm a dabbler, remember? 😉 Thanks, GO-Juss, for bringing sunshine to my blog and for cheering me on in dance. We're dancing at my sister's fashion show this Thursday!! Eeeek…I mean – wooot! lol I am in awe of the "heavy hitters" of belly dance. So happy I could share! Cheers and hugs, lovely one! xoxoxo G
I love love love it!!!! I wanna see it live and it will be my honor – great honor !!! I hope one day!! You are so good!! Makes me wanna go and learn how to do it!! 🙂
Encore! Encore! "palm to forehead" HA!!!
Very cool well worth coming especially to see you, thanks for4 sharing Gina you rock hon 🙂
Well, Iain, you know that will garner you some hip bumps))) 😉 Thanks for your always supportive awesomeness, my fellow adventurer! Cheers & ciao, G
WOW! All I can say as I'm speechless and now I want to see an encore and place where I can actually see this live so I can photograph it, "without flash…."
I never flash 😛 Public performances are more and more rare. I dance at my sister's house all the time – poor kids! Thanks for visiting, David. Cheers! G
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