Lily moves...

ChoreoCreation 2012: Class 1

2012-01-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

Class 1 - Footwork and WIP
Technique:
Footwork/Foot patterns
- walk
- grapevine
- step together step
- step touch
Hips
- hip singles
- hip twists
Movement:
- hip singles walking
- hip singles grapevine
- hip singles steptouch
- Basic Egyptian

Choreography -
Remember that your music is important, but don't feel like you have to pick THE ONE. I hope you'll use this class as an opportunity to work on something. Enjoy the process! Then apply it to another piece of music later. Remember that your choreography is a Work In Progress (WIP). Love the progress. Love the process. Like with all things, from movements to creating a choreography, practice is so important!

Class 1 Homework

MORNING PAGES
What are Morning Pages? Basically, it's an unedited spillage of thoughts in reference to a topic or question written in the morning when your mind is fresh. So make it unedited and write whatever comes to mind. It doesn't need to be complete sentences, cohesive, or make sense. Just write! General length of time for writing each topic is 8 minutes.

In your dance journal, write (pen to paper):

Morning Pages Topic 1- "Why dance?" With your answer to that question, then ask why X… and continue until you can't stand it any more.

Example: Why dance? Because I love to move. Why move? Because that how I feel alive. Why the need to feel alive? Because I don't feel alive during the week 9-5. Why don't I feel alive during the week? … etc. etc. etc.

Morning Pages Topic 2 - "Of all the types of dance (ballet, modern, flamenco, hip hop, etc.), why bellydance?"

At the next class, I will check your journal, but I won't read them because I know there can be some personal stuff in there!

MUSIC
1. Listen to your music 30 times. Sing or hum along to it.
2. In your dance journal, outline your music in terms of what the music is actually doing, for example:
- Fade in, quiet
- Question and answer of the violin and flute
- Percussion
- Violin solo
- Flute solo
- Violin and Flute together, crescendo to the end
- End

Don't worry if you don't know musical terms, just describe what the music is doing.

3. Then add the music time of the start of each section, for example:
0:05 - Fade in, quiet
0:43 - Question and answer of the violin and flute
1:25 - Percussion
1:40 - Violin solo
2:02 - Flute solo
2:36 - Violin and Flute together, crescendo to the end
2:59 - End

DANCE
1. Lock yourself up in a room with no distractions and no mirrors. Dance to your music freely without judgement. Just move. Write nothing down. Just move and get connected with the music. Do this at least 3 times before our next class.

2. Plan out how you want to start your piece. Plan an entrance with just the feet. Practice dancing just the feet.

TexStyles

2012-01-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
This Friday, January 13, a local fabric shop called TexStyles is offering special discounts
to belly dancers in the evening if you want to come shop and swoon over some of their great fabrics and trims. I'm not affiliate with them, but consider coming to support a local business that wants to support dancers. Also, if you're planning to attend my costuming working workshop, this would be a great place to visit for your fabrics and adornments!

Here's their post from Facebook (address and more information in the link
below)

TexStyles is proud to announce a new event being held for our amazing Belly
Dance Community. This coming Friday Night from 7PM until 9PM we will hold
our first ever Bedleh at the Beledi! Consider us your home for costuming.
We have brought literally 100s of new laces and trims back with you in
mind. Friday we will close the doors to everyone but our Belly Dancers! We
will be playing Excellent world music and serving Mint Tea! Come in bring a
rug to get comfy on and spend some time playing with our trims and chiffon
and other wonderfully rich fabrics!

https://www.facebook.com/Austin.TexStyles?sk=info

December 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

Did you get the December Newsletter?

It's super special... with some super special deals... check it out!

LilyBellydance December 2011 Newsletter

TFBD Nov/Dec Series: Class 6 Notes

2011-12-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks for a great last class of the year!
We reviewed all the movements and combos from this series and added on Figure 8's down to up. Drilled our Figure 8's down to up while walking and in a 3/4 pattern.

Lastly, we each were assigned a movement family (hip singles, twists, undulations, hip slides, figure 8's up to down, and figure 8's down to up) to come up with our own 16 count combo using movements of that family. Finally dance your 16 count combo 3 times in a row to ensure you didn't just get lucky the first time!

Hope you enjoyed it!

TFBD Nov/Dec Series: Class 5 Notes

2011-12-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

It's a little late, but here are the notes from class 5.
By special request, we started with 3/4 shimmy on the down.
Then, we moved on to today's class plan...

Focus: Figure 8's up to down

- in place
- in place in 3/4 pattern
- walking
- walking in releve
- walking in releve in 3/4 pattern (both hips and feet)

After drilling these, we put together a combo:
- lift Right knee and arms up (cts 1, 2)
- Right half of the figure 8 up to down as you place the right foot down (cts 3, 4)
- exterior 1/2 chest circle starting L (cts 5, 6)
- interior chest circle db Front, clockwise (cts 7, 8)

Interlude step: 3/4 Figure 8 up to down walking, same timing feet

Then figure out the "left" side of this combo.

Finally, dance the "right" side, then Interlude, then the "left" side, then Interlude for a 32 count combo!

Fun stuff Ladies!

Austin dance events Dec 1-3

2011-12-02T11:39:00.001-08:00

For those looking for some dance activity this weekend, there's lots to choose from! Here they are:

Dance Events this weekend!

* Dec 1-3 (Modern Dance): http://www.facebook.com/events/305645692796138/
Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company premieres FlashDance, but Flashier: 30 More Dances in 60 Minutes!

When: December 1-3, 2011, Thursday-Saturday 8pm,
Saturday Matinee at 2pm

Where: Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Road, Austin, TX

Tickets: $17 Adults, $12 Students and Seniors. Available at www.kdhdance.com and at the door.

Information: www.kdhdance.com, 512.934.1082

* Friday, Dec 2: http://www.facebook.com/events/275089032511716/
Typsy Gypsys at Tailgatorz First Friday Bellydance Show! Come early and stay late! Happy Hour from 3-7pm and bellydancing from 730-930pm! No cover; tips appreciated! Great food and wine/beer specials, free parking! After 7 pm, additional free parking at Breed Hardware on 29th St.

If there are enough hungry and thirsty supporters, we can continue to dance at this venue on select First Fridays!

Join Sahhira, Sonya, & Liora, plus special guest dancers Jamie Lynn, Stacey Lizette, and Stacey Lizette's Tekatek Dance Ensemble!!

* Saturday, Dec 3 in Buda, TX: http://www.facebook.com/events/250058181716770/

Desert Passion show in Buda tomorrow night at 8:00 at Dance Unlimited! Featuring recorded and live electronic music from Patrick Gergaud's cd ElitrickKids - West East! Lovely dancer friends Alana Shea, Alexis Garcia Asjah, Alyssa Akasha, Chloe Vanderhaven, Erin Gillespie, Gillian Roos, Jamie Lynn Shelton, Kisaya Rayne, Melissa Bailey, Sonya Taft, Valerie Aguirre, Z-Helene Christopher and her students, and Drakon BarAbba with DPMEDC. It's gonna be a fun, creative, fantastic night!!!

* Saturday, Dec 3: http://www.facebook.com/events/163071847079388/
Come and see what's on the menu with Baharat at Café Shimmy! Join us for a monthly performance at this fun, family-friendly venue. The evening will feature fabulous Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, exotic and entertaining local vendors, and of course beautiful belly dancing! All under the stars on Hot Mama's fantastic patio.

Hot Mama's is BYOB and there's no cover to attend the event. Vendors will be kicking things off at 6:00, and belly dancing performances will begin at 7:00.

* Saturday, Dec 3: http://www.facebook.com/events/114401468671096/
Amaya's "The Girl Effect" Belly Dance Show
When: Saturday, December 3
Where: El Sol y Luna Restaurant, 6th St, Austin, TX. Dinner Reservations: 512.444.7770
Time: 7 pm
Fee: $5 suggested donation. (Dinner reservations highly suggested! Seating at 7:30 pm)

Featuring dance stars.....Amaya, La Nita, Bahaia, Jeanette, Melissa Amira, Juliana, Pat Taylor, Nisaba, Amara, Mila, Stacey Lizette, Sin & Satisfaction, Sisters of Isis!

Hope to see you at some of these events!
Lily

TFBD Nov/Dec Series: Class 4 Notes

2011-12-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

We only had one week off, but seemed so much longer! That being said, after a holiday feast, it's always to good to get some cardio and stamina training in... for our bodies and our brains! Here's what we did:

1. Warm up which included some core strengthening.
2. Practice of chest slides and hip slides:

chest slides right and left
3/4 chest slides: right-left-right, left-right-left
hip slides right and left (also while walking)
3/4 hip slides: right-left-right, left-right-left
hip slides with accent down (also while walking on releve)
hip singles on the down and hip slides with accent down, alternating (also while walking on releve)

Remember that you should hit your maximum distance for the slide at the down beat. For the hip slides with accent down, the accent down is at the max distance out and should be down on the down beat.

Here is our combo, starting with feet at hip distance apart, hips neutral, and torso facing left diagonal:
ct 1 - hip slide right
ct 2 - pause
ct 3 - side step to the right starting with the left foot but down beat on the right (which means you start stepping the left foot before ct 3). leave body facing left diagonal and body weight on the left foot.
ct 4 - chest slide right
ct 5 - undulation down to up while pivoting torso to right diagonal. shift body weight to the right foot.
ct 6 - pause
ct 7 - cross turn left foot over right
ct 8 - land facing front

We then add a "interlude" movement of hip slides with accent down while walking on releve.

Thus we have a 16 ct combo.

Now, mirror the combo and add the "interlude" movement. Thus, another 16 ct combo.

Put the two together and we have a 32 ct combo.

Next, we split up into groups of two and stagger the start of this 32 ct combo by 8 counts... It looked so cool!

Finally, we worked with our partner: one person starts the combo and the next person starts 2 counts after (starting on count 3). That was tough! Imagine if we continued this with another person starting 4 counts after (starting on count 5)... and so on. That would look awesome. BUT it does mean you have to know the combo so well that the movements of others don't confuse you.

Hope you had fun!

Lily

TFBD Nov/Dec Series: Class 3 Notes

2011-11-17T23:38:00.000-08:00

Today's theme was ATS Arabic movements and variations. Here are the movements we practiced:

ATS Arabic
ATS Arabic Hip Twist
ATS Arabic Hip Twist quarter turns
ATS Arabic Hip Twist half turns

Combos:
1. ATS Arabic + starting with both arms up, windmill the right arm back and down (4 cts).
ATS Arabic + turn over left shoulder with left elbow lifted (4 cts).

2. ATS Arabic + facing stage left, hands at chest level and gradually raise the left hand up while lowering the right arm; traveling backwards (4 cts).
ATS Arabic Hip Twist half turn to face stage right.
ATS Arabic + facing stage right, hands at chest level and gradually raise the right hand up while lowering the left arm; traveling forwards (4 cts).
ATS Arabic Hip Twist half turn to face stage left.

3. ATS Arabic + start by facing stage left with both arms up (cts 1, 2), lower right arm down to shoulder height (cts 3, 4), then down beside hip (cts 5, 6), and back to shoulder height (cts 7, 8).
ATS Arabic Hip Twist half turn to face stage right (4 cts).
ATS Arabic Hip Twist half turn with arms up over head during the half turn (4 cts).

Our creative section of the class is a little more challenging today... Create your own (solo!) 16 count combination, then dance it for the class. Next, we partnered with someone, taught the partner our 16 count combo and danced our two combos together for a 32 count combo. Finally, we had to figure out the "other" direction of our combos. Meaning, if you were turning right, now turn left, etc.!!!

Hope you had fun.
See you in two weeks! Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!

Lily

TFBD Nov/Dec Series: Class 2 Notes

2011-11-14T01:35:00.000-08:00

In this second class of the 6-week series, our theme was twists!

Here are the movements covered:
ATS Basic Egyptian
ATS Basic Egyptian half turn
ATS Basic Egyptian full turn
ATS Reach and Sit
Flamenco
Washer Woman

After practicing these movements, we created a 16 count combination using as many of these twist type movements that also incorporated some traveling.

Then we created another 16 count combination that included at least one movement from the first class.

TFBD Nov/Dec Series: Class 1 Notes

2011-11-06T01:35:00.000-07:00

Here are the movements we covered today:

Singles
Doubletime singles
3/4 shimmy on the up
3/4 shimmy on the down
ATS Turkish
ATS Pivot Hip Bump
ATS Choo Choo
ATS Choo Choo Arc Turn
ChooChoo Shimmy

That seems like a lot! Well, most of these movements are review for you. The challenge is creating our own combinations using these movements. This being the first class, we went easy: create a 32 count combo with your group.

TFBD Sep/Oct Series: Class 8

2011-11-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hello!

For this last class of the 8-week series, we took the choreography and staged it. Pairing up, we created little duets that spawned from the group piece, then we would come back together as a unit.

I'm really looking forward to performing this piece with the class on November 12 at Sahara Nights show. Come support your classmates!

Sahara Nights hosted by Sabaya Bellydance Collective
November 12, 2011 at Copa Bar & Grill
Doors open 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm
$8 Entry

Don't forget, the next session starts November 3rd! We will be working on fast movements and improvisation. It's time to work on stamina and put some cardio in our dance... A great way to prepare yourself for the holidays!

Register now: http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerTF.shtml

TFBD Sep/Oct Series: Class 7

2011-10-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late post. In short, we worked on the Sidewinder Arms and Creature Comfort combo... and drilled those two movements.

Here is the choreo written out.

Choreography to “Mission”
Music by Beats Antique
Length: 4:20

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:03	Entrance
0:24	Hip Singles	Prep beats	2 x 8
0:28	Progressively fast walking	Crescendo	8
0:32	Half Hip Circle Lateral Body Wave Body Wave Body Wave	Intro theme	4 x 8
0:48	Basic Arabic (ATS) + Arabic Hip Twist Combo	Fast theme	2 x 8
0:56	Bodywave (8 cts) + Back lunge (4 cts) + cross turn (4 cts)	Theme B	2 x 8
1:04	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:11	Bodywave + Back lunge + cross turn	Theme B	2 x 8
1:21	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:29	Float arms up while walking to stage left	Transition	2 x 8
1:36	Moonwalk Undulations - Undulations modified so that chest goes forward instead of up and hips travel back. Feet are quick steps following the undulation.	Slow snaps	4 x 8
1:52	2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to right diagonal. 8 cts. 2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to left diagonal. 8 cts. 4 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; walking forward (1 circle per step). 8 cts. hip circle + undulation down to up. 8 cts.	Q+A	4 x 8
2:08	Hip slide + Hip Circle (opt. undulation layer)	Violin	4 x 8
2:23	Torso rotation to face back		2 x 8
2:33	While facing upstage, turn head over right shoulder on count 1, turn head to face upstage on count 3, turn whole body to face downstage on count 5, then fast walking to left diagonal.		8
2:36	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation up to down (8 cts.) + Int. Hip Circle + Undulation down to up (8 cts.)	Theme C	2 x 8
2:44	Camel Walk (ATS)	Theme B	2 x 8
2:52	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation up to down (8 cts.) + Int. Hip Circle + Undulation down to up (8 cts.)
2:59	Basic Egyptian, Corkscrew, and Figure 8 Combo: Basic Egyptian (4 cts ) Basic Egyptian Half Turn ( 4 cts) Corkscrew half turn to front (8 cts) Figure 8s up to down: Right (4 cts.) + Left (2 cts.) + Right (2 cts.) + Step out to Left (6 cts.) Back turn right (2cts.)	Cello	4 x 8
3:15	Repeat Basic Egyptian, Corkscrew, and Figure 8 Combo with your own partner variation	Cello	4 x 8
3:31	Basic Egyptian, Corkscrew, and Figure 8 Combo	Cello	4 x 8
3:47	Sidewinder and Creature Comfort Combo: Sidewinder arms (16 cts) Creature Comfort (8 cts) Walk to face back and arm raise	Violin	4 x 8
4:03	Sidewinder and Creature Comfort Combo facing back	Violin	4 x 8
4:20	Sidewinder and Creature Comfort Combo variation	Violin	4 x 8
End	Pose	Finale

TFBD Sep/Oct Series: Class 6

2011-10-17T23:13:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Thanks again Gina for the class notes. I've added to it... so please read below.

Lying on back:
• Undulations - lifting lower abs, upper abs, and upper back up
off the floor, then lowering them back down onto the floor (upper back, upper abs, and lower abs). Essentially, this is the yoga bridge pose performed slowly and consciously. Also, practice alternating between upper abs and lower abs.
• Hip twists- with hips lifted off the floor, right and left hips alternate pressing up to the ceiling.

Pointers for choreography

For Half Hip Circle (at 0:32):
• Accentuate hip slide to the right for exterior hip circle

For Body Waves (at 0:32, 0:56, 1:11):
• Hold elbows up
• Keep chest open (don’t drop chest too low)
• Lead from the crown of the head

For Basic Arabic (ATS) + Arabic Hip Twist Combo (at 0:48):
• Mirroring or variations with partner

For Back Lunge (at 0:56, 1:11):
• Lift front arm and front foot together before cross turn

For Moonwalk Undulations (at 1:36):
• Feet up on releve
• Quick steps back on count # 4 (after snap)

Here is the choreography so far …

Choreography to “Mission”
Music by Beats Antique
Length: 4:20

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:03	Entrance
0:24	Hip Singles	Prep beats	2 x 8
0:28	Progressively fast walking	Crescendo	8
0:32	Half Hip Circle Lateral Body Wave Body Wave Body Wave	Intro theme	4 x 8
0:48	Basic Arabic (ATS) + Arabic Hip Twist Combo	Fast theme	2 x 8
0:56	Bodywave (8 cts) + Back lunge (4 cts) + cross turn (4 cts)	Theme B	2 x 8
1:04	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:11	Bodywave + Back lunge + cross turn	Theme B	2 x 8
1:21	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:29	Float arms up while walking to stage left	Transition	2 x 8
1:36	Moonwalk Undulations - Undulations modified so that chest goes forward instead of up and hips travel back. Feet are quick steps following the undulation.	Slow snaps	4 x 8
1:52	2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to right diagonal. 8 cts. 2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to left diagonal. 8 cts. 4 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; walking forward (1 circle per step). 8 cts. hip circle + undulation down to up. 8 cts.	Q+A	4 x 8
2:08	Hip slide + Hip Circle (opt. undulation layer)	Violin	4 x 8
2:23	Torso rotation to face back		2 x 8
2:33	While facing upstage, turn head over right shoulder on count 1, turn head to face upstage on count 3, turn whole body to face downstage on count 5, then fast walking to left diagonal.		8
2:36	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation up to down (8 cts.) + Int. Hip Circle + Undulation down to up (8 cts.)	Theme C	2 x 8
2:44	Camel Walk (ATS)	Theme B	2 x 8
2:52	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation up to down (8 cts.) + Int. Hip Circle + Undulation down to up (8 cts.)	Theme C	2 x 8
2:59	Basic Egyptian, Corkscrew, and Figure 8 Combo: Basic Egyptian (4 cts ) Basic Egyptian Half Turn ( 4 cts) Corkscrew half turn to front (8 cts) Figure 8s up to down: Right (4 cts.) + Left (2 cts.) + Right (2 cts.) + Step out to Left (6 cts.) Back turn right (2cts.)	Cello	4 x 8
3:15	Repeat Basic Egyptian, Corkscrew, and Figure 8 Combo with your own partner variation	Cello	4 x 8
3:31	Basic Egyptian, Corkscrew, and Figure 8 Combo	Cello	4 x 8

Thanks again for a great class! We'll be finishing out the choreography in the next class. Then, in the last class of the series, we'll finalize staging and do some fine tuning.

See you soon!
Lily

TFBD Sep/Oct Series: Class 5

2011-10-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you Gina for submitting the class notes!

Practice of movements

Laying on the floor:

Undulations - Isolated contractions of upper abs and lower abs

Standing:

Interior Hip Circles - Standing on one foot with other foot to the front/side/back.

Here is the choreography so far...

Choreography to “Mission”
Music by Beats Antique
Length: 4:20

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:03	Entrance
0:24	Hip Singles	Prep beats	2 x 8
0:28	Progressively fast walking	Crescendo	8
0:32	Half Hip Circle Lateral Body Wave Body Wave Body Wave	Intro theme	4 x 8
0:48	Basic Arabic (ATS) + Arabic Hip Twist Combo	Fast theme	2 x 8
0:56	Bodywave (8 cts) + Back lunge (4 cts) + cross turn (4 cts)	Theme B	2 x 8
1:04	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:11	Bodywave + Back lunge + cross turn	Theme B	2 x 8
1:21	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:29	Float arms up while walking to stage left	Transition	2 x 8
1:36	Moonwalk Undulations - Undulations modified so that chest goes forward instead of up and hips travel back. Feet are quick steps following the undulation.	Slow snaps	4 x 8
1:52	2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to right diagonal. 8 cts. 2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to left diagonal. 8 cts. 4 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; walking forward (1 circle per step). 8 cts. hip circle + undulation down to up. 8 cts.	Q+A	4 x 8
2:08	Hip slide + Hip Circle (opt. undulation layer)	Violin	4 x 8
2:23	Torso rotation to face back		2 x 8
2:33	While facing upstage, turn head over right shoulder on count 1, turn head to face upstage on count 3, turn whole body to face downstage on count 5, then fast walking to left diagonal.		8
2:36	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation up to down (8 cts.) + Int. Hip Circle + Undulation down to up (8 cts.)	Theme C	2 x 8
2:44	Camel Walk (ATS)	Theme B	2 x 8
2:52	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation up to down (8 cts.) + Int. Hip Circle + Undulation down to up (8 cts.)	Theme C	2 x 8

News: Club Bellydance and the next Sahara Nights

2011-10-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Bahaia & Sabaya Bellydance Collective as we embark on a 3-city tour with
BDSS's Club Bellydance in Austin/Oct 23, Houston/Oct 25 with Silvia Salamanca & Shunyata, and San Antonio/Oct 26 with Karen Barbee & Karavan Dancers. For show tickets: http://www.bellydancesuperstars.com/club/calendar.html

Note that the October Sahara Nights show is cancelled!

Join us at our next Sahara Nights, November 12, 2011 at Copa as Sabaya hosts the Hip Circle Hafla.
Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30 and ends at 9:30pm. Copa is now serving dinner at the show! Book your table on OpenTable.

Hope to see you soon!

TFBD Sep/Oct Series: Class 4

2011-09-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!

Here are the movement we covered today:

Hip Slide
Exterior Hip Circle
Hip Slide with Undulation layer
Exterior Hip Circle with Undulation layer
Torso Rotation (ATS)
Torso Rotation half turn

Here is the choreography so far...

Choreography to “Mission”
Music by Beats Antique
Length: 4:20

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:03	Entrance
0:24	Hip Singles	Prep beats	2 x 8
0:28	Progressively fast walking	Crescendo	8
0:32	Half Hip Circle Lateral Body Wave Body Wave Body Wave	Intro theme	4 x 8
0:48	Basic Arabic (ATS) + Arabic Hip Twist Combo	Fast theme	2 x 8
0:56	Bodywave (8 cts) + Back lunge (4 cts) + cross turn (4 cts)	Theme B	2 x 8
1:04	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:11	Bodywave + Back lunge + cross turn	Theme B	2 x 8
1:21	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:29	Float arms up while walking to stage left	Transition	2 x 8
1:36	Moonwalk Undulations - Undulations modified so that chest goes forward instead of up and hips travel back. Feet are quick steps following the undulation.	Slow snaps	4 x 8
1:52	2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to right diagonal. 8 cts. 2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to left diagonal. 8 cts. 4 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; walking forward (1 circle per step). 8 cts. hip circle + undulation down to up. 8 cts.	Q+A	4 x 8
2:08	Hip slide + Hip Circle (opt. undulation layer)	Violin	4 x 8
2:23	Torso rotation to face back		2 x 8
2:33	While facing upstage, turn head over right shoulder on count 1, turn head to face upstage on count 3, turn whole body to face downstage on count 5, then fast walking to left diagonal.		8

TFBD Sep/Oct Series: Class 3

2011-09-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!

Thank you Gina for submitting the class notes again ... you're the winner!

Practice of movements
(Seated & standing)

Undulation Up to Down
Undulation Down to Up
Interior Hip Circle. Practice also standing on one leg.
Exterior Hip Circle

Here is the choreography so far:

Choreography to Mission
By Beats Antique
Length: 4:20

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:03	Entrance
0:24	Hip Singles	Prep beats	2 x 8
0:28	Progressively fast walking	Crescendo	8
0:32	Half Hip Circle Lateral Body Wave Body Wave Body Wave	Intro theme	4 x 8
0:48	Basic Arabic (ATS) + Arabic Hip Twist Combo	Fast theme	2 x 8
0:56	Bodywave (8 cts) + Back lunge (4 cts) + cross turn (4 cts)	Theme B	2 x 8
1:04	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:11	Bodywave + Back lunge + cross turn	Theme B	2 x 8
1:21	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:29	Float arms up while walking to stage left	Transition	8
1:36	Moonwalk Undulations - Undulations modified so that chest goes forward instead of up and hips travel back. Feet are quick steps following the undulation.	Slow snaps	4 x 8
1:52	2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to right diagonal. 8 cts. 2 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; pivot body to left diagonal. 8 cts. 4 int. hip circles + undulation down to up; walking forward (1 circle per step). 8 cts. hip circle + undulation down to up. 8 cts.	Q+A	4 x 8

See you Thursday!

TFBD Sep/Oct Series: Class 2

2011-09-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Thank you Gina for submitting the class notes... you're the winner!

Practice of movements
(Seated & standing)

Interior chest circles - clockwise and counterclockwise
Exterior chest circles - clockwise and counterclockwise
Undulations
Body wave

* Something to keep in mind: When executing "interior chest circles" and "undulations", your head doesn't move with your body. Whereas when executing "exterior chest circles" and body waves, your head moves in space.

Choreography to Mission
By Beats Antique
Length: 4:20

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:03	Entrance
0:24	Hip Singles	Prep beats	2 x 8
0:28	Progressively fast walking	Crescendo	8
0:32	Half Hip Circle Lateral Body Wave Body Wave Body Wave	Intro theme	4 x 8
0:48	Basic Arabic (ATS) + Arabic Hip Twist Combo	Fast theme	2 x 8
0:56	Bodywave (8 cts) + Back lunge (4 cts) + cross turn (4 cts)	Theme B	2 x 8
1:04	Int. Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:11	Bodywave + Back lunge + cross turn	Theme B	2 x 8
1:21	Interior Chest Circle + Undulation (opt. shimmy layer)	Theme C	2 x 8
1:29	Float arms up while walking to stage left	Transition	8

Below is the video we took of the choreo so far. This video is unlisted, so only those with the link will be able to view it.

TFBD Sep/Oct Series: Class 1 Notes

2011-09-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

So... no one submitted notes for the first class, so here they are...

Movements:
(See the Glossary. Link above.)
Hip Singles
Half Hip Circle

Lateral Body Wave

Body Wave
Arabic
Arabic Hip Twist

Choreography to Mission
By Beats Antique
Length: 4:20

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:03	Entrance
0:24	Hip Singles	Prep beats	2 x 8
0:28	Progressively fast walking	Crescendo	8
0:32	Half Hip Circle Lateral Body Wave Body Wave Body Wave	Intro theme	4 x 8
0:48	Arabic (ATS) + Arabic Hip Twist Combo	Fast theme	2 x 8

TFBD Sep/Oct Series

2011-09-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome! Thanks for a great first class of the 8 week series. Hope you enjoyed our dance to "Mission" today. Also, if you are interested in performing this piece as a group in November, please be sure to let me know via email or in person.

As I had announced in class, I'm offering you an opportunity to enrich your learning (and bank account) by writing the class notes for me.

Here are the details:
1. Outline what we covered in class. This includes the movements we covered and choreography. The more detailed, the better.
2. Submit your notes by the Sunday 11:59pm after the Thursday class.
3. Winner is comped 1 class in the next series. There is the possibility of winning all 8 class notes, thus comping your entire next series (8 classes).

Note: The final class notes may be tweaked slightly prior to being posted on the blog.

Okay ladies... submit your class notes!

Lastly, Sahara Nights is this Saturday! Hope to see you there!
Lily

Baby Sabine is here!

2011-08-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for being patient ... if you haven't heard already, Sabine was born on August 10, 2011. She is a healthy baby girl weighing 8 lbs and measured 20.5 inches. We are all home now resting, feeding, and pooping. I can't wait to introduce her to you all.

The next Tribal Fusion Series will start Thursday, September 8th at Cafe Dance, 7:45 - 8:45pm. Sign up here: http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerTF.shtml

TFBD May Series: Class 5

2011-06-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!

In our last class of the 5-week series, we drilled and then got creative!

Here are the drills we worked on:

Pelvic Locks with Hip Slides

Pelvic Locks with Front to Back Figure 8

Pelvic Locks with Back to Front Figure 8

Pelvic Locks with Hip Circle
... and with walking!

Pelvic Locks with Goosh Step

Pelvic Locks with Torso Rotation

Choreography to The Lantern

From the CD “Tribal Derivations” by Beats Antique

Length: 3:59

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:00	Wait on stage	Intro
0:10	Improvised Movement	Slow	3 x 8
0:27	Hip slides and hip singles Feet: Walk forward QT dbR Hips: Hip slides QT (whole notes/4 counts) dbR with hip singles FT (eighth notes) dbR.		2 x 8
0:38	Accent 1 - Hip Slide R + Chest Slide L Accent 2 - Hip Slide L + Chest Slide R Accent 3 - Upper ab + Low ab locks Accent 4 - Back turn R	Accents	8
0:43	ATS Torso Rotation (16 counts) with hip singles FT (eighth notes) dbR. Repeat	Theme	4 x 8
1:05	Hip singles with: accents: * head slide right, left (cts 1+) * shoulder press right, left (cts 2+) * chest lock up, down (cts 3+) ab roll down (cts 4-8) body wave (8 cts)	Theme with breaks	2 x 8
1:16	Hip Squares (HT, 2 counts for one square)for 7 counts clockwise, dbF. Repeat ccw, dbF.	interlude	8
1:25	Pelvic Locks dbB (eighth notes, FT) with chest circles (whole notes, QT). Feet cross touch (whole notes, QT).	Theme 2	4 x 8
1:45	Break 1: Flamenco arms to the right with right hip hook, right leg steps out, and head turns right. Break 2: Head locks front Break 3: Chest down, up Break 4: Gentle R hip drops as arms float down next to hips	Percussion	2 x 8
1:57	Break 1: Torso bends down 45 degree to left diagonal + 2 undulations Break 2: Keeping 45 degree bend, torso pivots to right diagonal + 2 undulations Break 3: Torso lifts to vertical + 2 undulations Break 4: Walk to front right corner (8 counts) Break 5: Shimmy with exterior hip circle dbL ccw (6 counts) + Step L foot out left w/L hip, half turn over L shoulder, step right w/ R hip, back turn over L shoulder, step L foot w/L hip.	Build Up	4 x 8
2:20	Undulations (HT, half notes) with Figure 8 Front to Back (8 counts per side)	Theme	4 x 8
2:42	R Hip up, Chest lock up, L Hip up Lateral Body Wave	Theme w/breaks	2 x 8
2:53	Camel Walk with - Undulation for the first 8 cts - Shimmy for the second 8 cts	Violin	2 x 8
3:05	Undulation Up to Down with shimmy (4 counts) Undulation down to up with shimmy; chest lock up/down on last two counts. (4 counts)	interlude	8
3:10	Camel Walk with Undulation and body pivots	Violin	2 x 8
3:22	FINALE Pivot Turn (ala RB style) - right over left. 4 counts for arms, 4 counts for turn Pose 8 cts Pivot Turn (ala RB style) - left over right Pose 8 cts Free-movement Transition 8 cts Free-movement Transition 8 cts POSE	Finale to Fade	6 x 8

Creative exercise:
In your group or with your partner, change up the section at 1:57 using your own accents. Think about the flow. What was the section before it? What is the section after it. Do you dance synchronously, mirror, alternate, etc??? Lots of choices and options.

Of course, we also have the improvised intro and ending. Remember to try something different.

Hope you enjoyed this series as much as I have! It's been a real joy watching all of you develop your own creative dance.

I will miss you for the next several months! Remember to keep dancing. Look forward to seeing you in the Fall!

LOVE!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Austin Belly Dance Convention 2011

2011-06-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's not too late! You can purchase tickets at the door. Here is the press release:

Annual Austin Bellydance Convention, June 3-5, 2011

The annual Austin Bellydance Convention (ABDC) is open to the public and takes place the first weekend of June 3-5, 2011, at the Holiday Inn Midtown near Highland Mall.
Free to the public on Saturday afternoon, 2-5pm: Stage belly dance performances and shopping with select vendors for imported Egyptian and Turkish belly dance costumes, music, jewelry, and instructional/performance DVDs.

Workshops and lectures are available for advanced purchase on the ABDC website www.theabdc.com. Lecture topics include "Travel through the History of American Bellydance" and "Choosing Bellydance as a Career." Workshops cover dance technique, costuming, musicality, drumming and more.

The Friday and Saturday professional belly dance shows are not to be missed! Friday evening's performance showcases a live band playing classical Middle Eastern tunes with belly dance instructors from around the nation. Saturday night's Gala performance features Suhaila Salimpour and Bal Anat, a dance troupe and show with 30 dancers strong fusing tribal and folkloric belly dance into a showcase of dances from North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Bal Anat show, first performed in 1968 in San Francisco, inspired a generation of American belly dancers. Many consider this historical show to have led to the rise in popularity of the tribal belly dance genre. Advanced show tickets are $15 for Friday and $25 for Saturday if purchased online. Tickets increase by $5 at the door. Doors at 6:30pm and show at 8pm.

What: Bellydance dance and drumming workshops, lectures, shopping and shows at the Austin Belly Dance Convention, www.theabdc.com

When: Friday, June 3 - Sunday, June 5, 2011

Where: Holiday Inn Midtown, 6000 Middle Fiskville Road

Full schedule & registration available at www.theabdc.com

Bellydance Basics May Series: Class 5

2011-06-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!

Our focus today was on hip twists, specifically the American Tribal Style movement "Basic Egyptian". We explored the different variations (quarter turns, half turns, and full turns) but focused mainly on the Basic Egyptian and Basic Egyptian Half Turn. Essentially, the Basic Egyptian movement is hip twist with the foot on the ball. It's a "stepping" movement which allows for us to travel in just about any direction. Remember that in the ATS format, you start with the foot on the ball as count one, then flat foot on count two.

CHOREOGRAPHY to NAGA

0:13
Wait 8 counts
Camel Walk (16 counts)
Torso Rotation starting right (8 counts)

0:39
Taxeem with tribal arm undulation (2 counts each side, 16 counts total)
add traveling/walking, same foot and hip.

0:53
Bodywave (16 counts total)
facing left diagonal. 8 counts each.
first 8 counts with arms at shoulder height.
last 4 counts with arms travel down the sides of the body.

1:05
Maya
add traveling/walking, same foot and hip.
arms travel slowly up the sides of the body.

1:19
Propeller Turn (1 turn, 16 counts total)
both arms up, lower right arm (cts 1,2), then raise (cts 3,4), lower left arm (cts 5,6), then raise (cts 7,8); lower right arm (cts 1,2), raise just the wrist (cts 3.4), then plunge the right hand down as you step the right foot over the left to do a full turn (ct 5). Stop facing left diagonal with a pose (cts 6,7,8), right arm straight up and left arm curve in front of your body; weight in the back leg (left).

1:33
Hip Bumps (8 counts)
Pivot Bump Doubles (8 counts)

1:43
Choo Choo ArcTurn (8 counts)
repeat

1:53
Hip Slide right with Flamenco arms facing right (4 counts) + Maya left (4 counts)
Hip Slide left with Flamenco arms facing left (4 counts) + Maya right (4 counts)

2:04
Choo Choo right, traveling clockwise (8 counts)
Choo Choo left, traveling ccw (8 counts)

New this week:

2:15
Hip Slide right with Flamenco arms facing right (4 counts) + Hip Circle ccw (4 counts)
Hip Slide left with Flamenco arms facing left (4 counts) + Hip Circle cw (4 counts)

2:25
Hip Singles 2 right, 2 left - while walking(8 counts)
repeat

2:36
Arabic (4 counts)
Arabic Hip Twist (4 counts)
repeat

2:47
Camel Walk with body pivots (16 counts)
- pivot the body to face stage right on count 5
- during the torso rotation, make a quarter turn with your feet to face front again.

2:58
Basic Egyptian (16 counts)
- if not traveling during the Basic Egyptian, do quarter turns during the last 8 counts.

3:08
Basic Egyptian Half Turn

3:19
Basic Egyptian in place while the hands float down

Finale (a-rhythmic, no beats)
Corkscrew Turn
- This movement is essentially like the Propeller Turn except that both arms plunge down. In class, we modified just a bit to just have both arms lift, drop, lift, then plunge down to turn. Remember the right foot crosses over the left.

Hope you enjoyed the choreography, the dancing, and group choreography exercises. It's so good to know you CAN remember choreography and that it's even more fun dancing it with your classmates!

Thank you so much for coming to class, having an open mind, and embracing this dance form. I'm going to miss you for the next several months!

Love,
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Enjoy!
See you next week... our last class of the series!
Lily

TFBD May Series: Class 4

2011-05-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!

Today we focused more on finishing up the choreography. What's the rush you ask? We have one more class left. But we're going to use that class for polishing and personalizing!

Here are the drills we worked on:

Lateral Body Wave

Camel Walk with undulations

Torso Rotation with shimmy

Undulation U2D with shimmy

Undulation D2U with shimmy

Choreography to The Lantern

From the CD “Tribal Derivations” by Beats Antique

Length: 3:59

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:00	Wait on stage	Intro
0:10	Improvised Movement	Slow	3 x 8
0:27	Hip slides and hip singles Feet: Walk forward QT dbR Hips: Hip slides QT (whole notes/4 counts) dbR with hip singles FT (eighth notes) dbR.		2 x 8
0:38	Accent 1 - Hip Slide R + Chest Slide L Accent 2 - Hip Slide L + Chest Slide R Accent 3 - Upper ab + Low ab locks Accent 4 - Back turn R	Accents	8
0:43	ATS Torso Rotation (16 counts) with hip singles FT (eighth notes) dbR. Repeat	Theme	4 x 8
1:05	Hip singles with: accents: * head slide right, left (cts 1+) * shoulder press right, left (cts 2+) * chest lock up, down (cts 3+) ab roll down (cts 4-8) body wave (8 cts)	Theme with breaks	2 x 8
1:16	Hip Squares (HT, 2 counts for one square)for 7 counts clockwise, dbF. Repeat ccw, dbF.	interlude	8
1:25	Pelvic Locks dbB (eighth notes, FT) with chest circles (whole notes, QT). Feet cross touch (whole notes, QT).	Theme 2	4 x 8
1:45	Break 1: Flamenco arms to the right with right hip hook, right leg steps out, and head turns right. Break 2: Head locks front Break 3: Chest down, up Break 4: Gentle R hip drops as arms float down next to hips	Percussion	2 x 8
1:57	Break 1: Torso bends down 45 degree to left diagonal + 2 undulations Break 2: Keeping 45 degree bend, torso pivots to right diagonal + 2 undulations Break 3: Torso lifts to vertical + 2 undulations Break 4: Walk to front right corner (8 counts) Break 5: Shimmy with exterior hip circle dbL ccw (6 counts) + Step L foot out left w/L hip, half turn over L shoulder, step right w/ R hip, back turn over L shoulder, step L foot w/L hip.	Build Up	4 x 8
2:20	Undulations (HT, half notes) with Figure 8 Front to Back (8 counts per side)	Theme	4 x 8
2:42	R Hip up, Chest lock up, L Hip up Lateral Body Wave	Theme w/breaks	2 x 8
2:53	Camel Walk with - Undulation for the first 8 cts - Shimmy for the second 8 cts	Violin	2 x 8
3:05	Undulation Up to Down with shimmy (4 counts) Undulation down to up with shimmy; chest lock up/down on last two counts. (4 counts)	interlude	8
3:10	Camel Walk with Undulation and body pivots	Violin	2 x 8
3:22	FINALE Pivot Turn (ala RB style) Pose 4 cts Free-movement Transition 8 cts Pivot Turn (ala RB style) Pose 4 cts Free-movement Transition 8 cts Free-movement Transition 8 cts Free-movement Transition 8 cts POSE	Finale to Fade	6 x 8

Partner Improv exercise:
In your group or with your partner, select 3 poses and figure out how to start facing back and transition to the front in 24 counts. However, this time, work it out so that no one is doing the same movement AND incorporate level or depth change.

Next week is our last week!

Enjoy!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Bellydance Basics May Series: Class 4

2011-05-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies,

Today's main focus was on the American Tribal Style movement "Arabic". We explored the different variations, but focused mainly on the Arabic Basic and Arabic Hip Twist. Essentially, the "arabic" movement is an undulation at the torso with weight change between the feet, thus making this movement perfect for traveling.

CHOREOGRAPHY to NAGA

0:13
Wait 8 counts
Camel Walk (16 counts)
Torso Rotation starting right (8 counts)

0:39
Taxeem with tribal arm undulation (2 counts each side, 16 counts total)
add traveling/walking, same foot and hip.

0:53
Bodywave (16 counts total)
facing left diagonal. 8 counts each.
first 8 counts with arms at shoulder height.
last 4 counts with arms travel down the sides of the body.

1:05
Maya
add traveling/walking, same foot and hip.
arms travel slowly up the sides of the body.

1:19
Propeller Turn (1 turn, 16 counts total)
both arms up, lower right arm (cts 1,2), then raise (cts 3,4), lower left arm (cts 5,6), then raise (cts 7,8); lower right arm (cts 1,2), raise just the wrist (cts 3.4), then plunge the right hand down as you step the right foot over the left to do a full turn (ct 5). Stop facing left diagonal with a pose (cts 6,7,8), right arm straight up and left arm curve in front of your body; weight in the back leg (left).

1:33
Hip Bumps (8 counts)
Pivot Bump Doubles (8 counts)

1:43
Choo Choo ArcTurn (8 counts)
repeat

1:53
Hip Slide right with Flamenco arms facing right (4 counts) + Maya left (4 counts)
Hip Slide left with Flamenco arms facing left (4 counts) + Maya right (4 counts)

2:04
Choo Choo right, traveling clockwise (8 counts)
Choo Choo left, traveling ccw (8 counts)

New this week:

2:15
Hip Slide right with Flamenco arms facing right (4 counts) + Hip Circle ccw (4 counts)
Hip Slide left with Flamenco arms facing left (4 counts) + Hip Circle cw (4 counts)

2:25
Hip Singles 2 right, 2 left - while walking(8 counts)
repeat

2:36
Arabic (4 counts)
Arabic Hip Twist (4 counts)
repeat

2:47
Camel Walk with body pivots (16 counts)

Enjoy!
See you next week... our last class of the series!
Lily

TFBD May Series: Class 3

2011-05-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!

Today was more exploratory and showing you that there are just so many options you could play with! Here are the drills we worked on:

Undulations (HT, half notes) with Fig. 8 front to back (16 counts per fig8)

Undulations with interior hip circles clockwise

Undulations with interior hip circle counter clockwise

Undulations with exterior hip circle counter clockwise

Shimmy with exterior hip circle counter clockwise

Choreography to The Lantern

From the CD “Tribal Derivations” by Beats Antique

Length: 3:59

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:00	Wait on stage	Intro
0:10	Improvised Movement	Slow	3 x 8
0:27	Hip slides and hip singles Feet: Walk forward QT dbR Hips: Hip slides QT (whole notes/4 counts) dbR with hip singles FT (eighth notes) dbR.		2 x 8
0:38	Accent 1 - Hip Slide R + Chest Slide L Accent 2 - Hip Slide L + Chest Slide R Accent 3 - Upper ab + Low ab locks Accent 4 - Back turn R	Accents	8
0:43	ATS Torso Rotation (16 counts) with hip singles FT (eighth notes) dbR. Repeat	Theme	4 x 8
1:05	Hip singles with: accents: * head slide right, left (cts 1+) * shoulder press right, left (cts 2+) * chest lock up, down (cts 3+) ab roll down (cts 4-8) body wave (8 cts)	Theme with breaks	2 x 8
1:16	Hip Squares (HT, 2 counts for one square)for 7 counts clockwise, dbF. Repeat ccw, dbF.	interlude	8
1:25	Pelvic Locks dbB (eighth notes, FT) with chest circles (whole notes, QT). Feet cross touch (whole notes, QT).	Theme 2	4 x 8
1:45	Break 1: Flamenco arms to the right with right hip hook, right leg steps out, and head turns right. Break 2: Head locks front Break 3: Chest down, up Break 4: Gentle R hip drops as arms float down next to hips	Percussion	2 x 8
1:57	Break 1: Torso bends down 45 degree to left diagonal + 2 undulations Break 2: Keeping 45 degree bend, torso pivots to right diagonal + 2 undulations Break 3: Torso lifts to vertical + 2 undulations Break 4: Walk to front right corner (8 counts) Break 5: Shimmy with exterior hip circle dbL ccw (6 counts) + Step L foot out left w/L hip, half turn over L shoulder, step right w/ R hip, back turn over L shoulder, step L foot w/L hip.	Build Up	4 x 8
2:20	Undulations (HT, half notes) with Figure 8 Front to Back (8 counts per side)	Theme	4 x 8

Partner Improv exercise:
In your group or with your partner, select 3 poses and figure out how to start facing back and transition to the front in 24 counts. However, this time, work it out so that no one is doing the same movement.

Next week, we'll focus more on partner/group improv with more choreography practice!

Enjoy!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Bellydance Basics May Series: Class 3

2011-05-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies!

We just got finished with some fun Choo Choo movements! In the ATS world, the Choo Choo is essentially hip singles or hip ups with the right foot on the ball, Flamenco arms, and traveling.

NEW FOR THIS WEEK
- Hip Bumps: These are hip singles with the right foot on the ball, in place.

- Pivot Bump Singles: Taking the Hip Bump, but step the right foot on the ball front, then back while the right hip lifts up.

- Pivot Bump Doubles: Taking the Pivot Bump Singles, except two hip ups when the right foot is front and two hip ups when the right foot is back.

- Choo Choo: Taking the Hip Bumps, but travel in the direction of the leading hip.

- Flamenco Arms: With open and broad chest and shoulders, raise the left arm over head and the right arm extends out to the right. Arms are strong, yet there is a subtle bend. The wrists are in floreo, strong and intense.

CHOREOGRAPHY to NAGA

0:13
Wait 8 counts
Camel Walk (16 counts)
Torso Rotation starting right (8 counts)

0:39
Taxeem with tribal arm undulation (2 counts each side, 16 counts total)
add traveling/walking, same foot and hip.

0:53
Bodywave (16 counts total)
facing left diagonal. 8 counts each.
first 8 counts with arms at shoulder height.
last 4 counts with arms travel down the sides of the body.

1:05
Maya
add traveling/walking, same foot and hip.
arms travel slowly up the sides of the body.

1:19
Propeller Turn (1 turn, 16 counts total)
both arms up, lower right arm (cts 1,2), then raise (cts 3,4), lower left arm (cts 5,6), then raise (cts 7,8); lower right arm (cts 1,2), raise just the wrist (cts 3.4), then plunge the right hand down as you step the right foot over the left to do a full turn (ct 5). Stop facing left diagonal with a pose (cts 6,7,8), right arm straight up and left arm curve in front of your body; weight in the back leg (left).

New this week:
1:33
Hip Bumps (8 counts)
Pivot Bump Doubles (8 counts)

1:43
Choo Choo ArcTurn (8 counts)
repeat

1:53
Hip Slide right with Flamenco arms facing right (4 counts) + Maya left (4 counts)
Hip Slide left with Flamenco arms facing left (4 counts) + Maya right (4 counts)

2:04
Choo Choo right, traveling clockwise (8 counts)
Choo Choo left, traveling ccw (8 counts)

Enjoy!
See you next week,
Lily

TFBD May Series: Class 2 Notes

2011-05-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!
Sorry for the late post. Here are the drills we worked on in this second class of the five week series:

Pelvic Locks dbB in place with ballet tendu legs

Pelvic Locks dbB with chest circles

Pelvic Locks dbB with cross touch

Hip singles with body wave

Hip singles with head, shoulder, chest accents

Choreography to The Lantern

From the CD “Tribal Derivations” by Beats Antique

Length: 3:59

Time	Movement	Music	Bars
0:00	Wait on stage	Intro
0:10	Improvised Movement	Slow	3 x 8
0:27	Hip slides and hip singles Feet: Walk forward QT dbR Hips: Hip slides QT (whole notes/4 counts) dbR with hip singles FT (eighth notes) dbR.		2 x 8
0:38	Accent 1 - Hip Slide R + Chest Slide L Accent 2 - Hip Slide L + Chest Slide R Accent 3 - Upper ab + Low ab locks Accent 4 - Back turn R	Accents	8
0:43	ATS Torso Rotation (8 counts) with hip singles FT (eighth notes) dbR.	Theme	4 x 8
1:05	Hip singles with: accents: * head slide right, left (cts 1+) * shoulder press right, left (cts 2+) * chest lock up, down (cts 3+) ab roll down (cts 4-8) body wave (8 cts)	Theme with breaks	2 x 8
1:16	Hip Squares for 6 counts clockwise, dbF. Hip Squares for 6 counts ccw, dbF.	interlude	8
1:25	Pelvic Locks dbB (eighth notes, FT) with chest circles (whole notes, QT). Feet cross touch (whole notes, QT).	Theme 2	4 x 8

Partner Improv exercise:
In your group or with your partner, select 3 poses and figure out how to start facing back and transition to the front in 24 counts.

Hope you're enjoying these fun partner improv exercises and this lovely choreography. I know it's challenging at times, but what better way to hone your dance skills than to dance it with pretty song.

Cheers,
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Bellydance Basics May Series: Class 2

2011-05-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the late post!

Here's a review/recap of what we had covered in the second class of the five week series:

NEW FOR THIS WEEK
- Body wave. Simply and very briefly put, think about drawing a circle with your chest: forward, rounding up, back, then back to starting posture. An external movement.

- Maya. Also known as the reverse Taxeem. This is a vertical figure 8 hip movement that starts up, slide out, round down, pull in to center, then the other side hip up, slide out, round down, then pull in to center. Another way of thinking about it is two circles, one on each hip.

- Propeller Turn. This movement is quite indicative of the ATS (American Tribal Style) movements. Starting with both arms up, lower the right arm, then raise, lower the left arm, then raise; lower the right arm again, raise just the wrist, then plunge the right hand down as you step the right foot over the left to do a full turn. Stop facing left diagonal with a pose, right arm straight up and left arm curve in front of your body; weight in the back leg (left).

CHOREOGRAPHY to NAGA

0:13
Wait 8 counts
Camel Walk (16 counts)
Torso Rotation starting right (8 counts)

0:39
Taxeem with tribal arm undulation (2 counts each side, 16 counts total)
add traveling/walking, same foot and hip.

0:53
Bodywave (16 counts total)
facing left diagonal. 8 counts each.
first 8 counts with arms at shoulder height.
last 4 counts with arms travel down the sides of the body.

1:05
Maya
add traveling/walking, same foot and hip.
arms travel slowly up the sides of the body.

1:19
Propeller Turn (1 turn, 16 counts total)
both arms up, lower right arm (cts 1,2), then raise (cts 3,4), lower left arm (cts 5,6), then raise (cts 7,8); lower right arm (cts 1,2), raise just the wrist (cts 3.4), then plunge the right hand down as you step the right foot over the left to do a full turn (ct 5). Stop facing left diagonal with a pose (cts 6,7,8), right arm straight up and left arm curve in front of your body; weight in the back leg (left).

Remember:
The music we are dancing to is called "Naga" by Solace, from the album "Nagari".
You can find this on iTunes, Amazon, or on his website: http://www.empcds.com/solace-nagari.html

See you soon!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

TFBD May Series: Class 1

2011-05-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!

Thanks for joining me in my last series before my maternity leave... Think of it as having the summer off. So before then, let's work our butts off!

Here's a recap of what we did:

Drills
- Hip Singles downbeat right eight notes in place with ballet-inspired tendu exercise.

- Hip slides for whole notes ("quarter time", 4 counts) on each side and walking eighth notes ("full time").

- Hip slides for whole notes ("quarter time", 4 counts) on each side and walking eighth notes ("full time"), now with hip singles downbeat right eighth notes.

- ATS Torso Rotation with hip singles downbeat right eight notes

Dance
* Music: "The Lantern" by Beats Antique. You can find this on iTunes or possibly just google for the song and artist to find a free download somewhere.
* Partner improvisation work
* Choreo:
- Partner improvisation work
- Hip slides for whole notes ("quarter time", 4 counts) on each side and walking whole notes ("quarter time"), now with hip singles downbeat right eighth notes.
- Accents
- ATS Torso Rotation with hip singles downbeat right eight notes

Whew! That was a tough class. Good work ladies!
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Happy Mother's Day! See you next week!
Lily

Bellydance Basics May Series: Class 1

2011-05-04T23:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I really enjoyed this first class of this 5-week series. It's the first time that I'm offering a mini intro to tribal fusion style. So thank you for taking it on!

Here's what we covered today:
1. Posture
- Feet are hip socket distance apart or closer
- Knees soft and not locked
- Pelvis neutral
- Chest lifted and neutral
- Shoulders relaxed and elbows back
- head stacked on top
- In proper American Tribal Style (ATS), the elbows are lifted to the height of shoulders. Forearms are perpendicular. Energy from shoulders through the finger tips. Remember, even though the arms and elbows are lifted, the shoulders are relaxed and down.
- Resting position for the arms: hands at hips, top of hand is facing forward, energy remain through out the arms. The arms is soft yet strong. Elbows are pointing directly out to the sides.

2. Movements
The terminology used below is from the American Tribal Style (ATS) movement repertoire by Carolina Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance.

- Taxeem: It's a vertical figure 8 without any horizontal twist at all. Drop the hip down first, then push it out and draw it up using your obliques, before switching to the other side. The movement is based on the natural movement of the hips as you walk.

- Arm Undulations (tribal arms): Arms at classic tribal position, gently push the right hand away and the head tils left, eyes looking to the right hand, left forearm slowly pulls in. Then left hand pushes away towards left side, head tils right, eyes looking to the left hand, right forearm slowly pulls in towards body. Try to keep the height of which your elbow moves at a minimum.

- Torso Rotation: Imagine a heart shape on the floor. Starting center with arms out, upper body leans forward and to the left, round out to the back, then to the right and rounds out leaning forward and to the right, finally pull back to center. Arms remain in classic tribal position, elbows up and pointing out. There is a gentle bend/flex in the arms as your torso moves around.

- Camel Walk - Step with the right foot onto the balls of the feet as you press down with the right hand and raise the left hand overhead. Keeping all your weight on the right foot, bend your right knee and extend the left foot to the side. Right arm goes up and left hand reaches toward extended left foot. Straighten your right leg as you draw the left foot in, and layer an arm undulation over a small torso rotation to bring you back to center. For long lengths of time, manage your arm movement so that the hands flow gradually to their full extension.

The music we are dancing to is called "Naga" by Solace, from the album "Nagari".
You can find this on iTunes, Amazon, or on his website: http://www.empcds.com/solace-nagari.html

Here is what we have so far for the song:

Camel Walk

Torso Rotation (right)

Taxeem and Arm Undulations (slow, then quick)

More details next time!

We'll add more movements to our dance repertoire next week.
Thanks for a fantastic class!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

The 2011 Austin Belly Dance Convention

2011-04-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Have you signed up for the Austin Belly Dance Convention yet? If you haven't you should! There are so many reasons to be there:

* New venue! That's right! It'll be at the Holiday Inn Midtown, which is next to Highland Mall. The hotel has been updating its digs, so you are in for a swanky modern vibe. What a treat for us belly dancers!

* Live band! From Dallas, Texas, Badrawn will be playing some sweet classic and unexpected bellydance tunes for us during the Social Hour Show, which starts at 7pm. Get there early to get a good seat and purchase your tickets in advance.

* WORKSHOPS! Yes, we have instructors from Texas, California, and New Jersey, making this a cross-national event! It's not everyday you get all these options under one roof. There are so many different topics, offering something for the drummers, the movers-and-shakers, the thinkers, etc. Check the registration page for class times and signups:

http://abdc.staceylizette.com/registration.html

Yes, I am teaching one of the Saturday afternoon workshops (titled "Cultivating Musicality"), appropriate for any level and style of dancer. If you've been struggling with a piece of music or ever wondered how you'd dance to a particular song, this is a workshop that will guide you to doing just that! It's part lecture and part dance, so bring your thinking caps and dance shoes!

* Suhaila! It's so good to have Suhaila back in Texas. She was in Houston for a brief stint last fall, but this time, not only will she be teaching her mother Jamila Salimpour's format, but she's also bringing Bal Anat for the Saturday Night Gala Show! If you don't know what Bal Anat is... you need to: http://www.suhailainternational.com/FromManyTribesOriginsofBalAnat.pdf

* Shows! Shows! Shows! It's not enough to have just a Friday night show and a Saturday night show. Let's face it. We get together once a year. We hang out. We learn... but we also want to see some fabulous dancing. So, there is also Friday Social Hour show which starts at 7pm before the Friday Gala show which starts at 8pm. There is the Saturday afternoon Performance Evaluation show, followed by the Open Stage show. In the evening, we kick off with performances at 7pm with the Saturday Social Hour show, and then for the big bang at 8pm, we have the Bal Anat Show... first time ever in Texas!

Enough of me going on and on about this event. Let's rendevous at ABDC 2011!
www.TheABDC.com

TFBD Mar/Apr Class 8 Notes

2011-04-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!
We're finally done with the choreography!

Time	Movement	Music	Counts	FC pattern
0:06	Wait off stage	Intro	16	none
0:11	Feet – Step touch HT dbR, then pause HT. Repeat. Torso - Wait count 1. Und d2u FT, then hip single FT dbR, pause count 4. Arms – 5th position.	Theme 1: Mizmar	2 x 8	337
0:22	Feet – Cross step HT dbR in CCW circular floor pattern. Torso – Int chest circle HT dbR CCW. Arms – 2nd position.	Theme 2: Orchestral with tambourine	2 x 8	3
0:35	Motif: R shoulder roll b2f HT. L shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to L diagonal. Int chest circle dbR HT (2 counts). Und u2d FT (1 count). Und d2u FT (1 count). Int chest circle dbR HT (2counts). Und u2d HT (2 counts). Right foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end crossed over left foot (3 counts). Cross Turn dbR FT (1 count). [mirror the motif]: L shoulder roll b2f HT. R shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to R diagonal. Int chest circle dbL HT. Und u2d FT. Und d2u FT. Int chest circle dbR HT. Und u2d HT. Left foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end cross over left foot. Cross Turn dbL FT. Arms – high 1st position.	Mizmar solo	4 x 8	3-3-3-3-1
0:58	Figure 8 b2f ET	Bass & vocal	2 x 8	355
1:10	Ribcage Goosh Step – HT dbR (ct 1-6) + Baraka (ct 78) Travel in circular floor pattern, continuing to face front. (aka "ferris wheel")	Mizmar & vocal	4 x 8	31313
1:32	Group Combos	Mizmar Solo	4 x 8	3513
1:56	Feet - Cross Touch ( on ct 12) dbR Torso – Shoulder R(+) L (3), chestlift (4) Repeat Left	Drum Interlude	8	follow body accents
2:01	Arabic I Feet – Walking HT Torso – Undulation U2D HT	Theme 2 Interlude	8	3
2:07	Lateral Body Wave (4 cts) + Interior hip circle (4 cts) - travel forward starting right diagonal, then left diagonal, repeat. Feet – Walking HT Torso – Undulation U2D HT	Theme 1 Mizmar	2 x 8	337
2:19	Running Choo Choo #4	Theme 2: Orchestral with tambourine	2 x 8	3
2:30	Your combo or improv!	Drum Solo	2 x 8	None
2:42	Slowly into R high posse and arms to 5th (8 cts) Pivot right hip to front and land the right foot so that toes are facing left diagonal (8 cts) Slow body wave (16 cts)	Soft vocal with drum	4 x 8	None
3:05	Serpentine Arm Waves (8 cts) Repeat arms while organically walking forward, sideways, backwards, turning, etc.	Finale	8 x 8	None

I hope you've enjoyed learning and dancing to this beautiful choreography!

The next TFBD series (5 classes) starts next week, Thursday, May 5th! Register here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerTF.shtml

Thank you for dancing! See you next week!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Mar/Apr Class 8 Notes

2011-04-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies!

Here are the notes from the last class of the series! If you haven't registered for the next series (starting next week!), register here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerBB.shtml

Class 8. Front to Back Figure 8 and Back to Front Figure 8

1. Review: Review movements from the previous classes.
2. New:
Front to Back Figure 8 - twist right hip forward, slide hip to right diagonal, round right hip to back corner, then pull back to center; twist left hip forward, slide left hip to left diagonal, round left hip to back corner, then pull back to center.

Back to Front Figure 8 - twist right hip to back corner, slide hip to back corner, round right hip to right front corner, then pull back to center; twist left hip to back corner, slide hip to back corner, round left hip to front corner, then pull back to center.

3. Review Choreography

0:10 Intro
4 x 8 counts: Arm waves & Cross Touch
* Right arm wave and right foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and left foot extends - 4 counts
* Right arm wave and left foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and right foot extends - 4 counts
* repeat
0:30 Vocal
4 x 8 counts: Hip Slides & Hip Circle
* Hip slide right - 4 counts
* Hip slide left - 4 counts
* Hip circle downbeat left clockwise - 8 counts
* repeat

4 x 8 counts: Chest Circle & Arm Waves
* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to stage right - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts
* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to upstage - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts

1:09 Theme
4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Down to Up variations[Facing upstage]
* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts
[walking ¾ T to face front]
* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

1:29 Vocal
4 x 8 counts: Undulation & Broken Undulation in circle formation
* Undulations up to down QT, walking right QT- 4 counts
* Broken Undulation: Chest lock up down, Pelvic lock front back. Walking right QT - 4 counts
* Repeat 4 times, traveling in a group circle (facing outward from circle)

4 x 8 counts: : Interior and exterior circles
* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)

2:09 Interlude
4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Up to Down variations
* Figure 8 up to down, downbeat right - 8 counts
* Figure 8 up to down,, downbeat right - 8 counts
[walking ¾ T to face back]
* Figure 8 up to down,, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts
* Figure 8 up to down,, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

2:29 Build Up
4 x 8 counts: Shimmy and Grapevine
* Standing in place shimmy - 4 counts
* Grapevine traveling to the left - 4 counts
(Repeat 4 times)

2 x 8 counts: Hip Twist
* Walking RLR - 3 counts
* Left Hip twist on count 4
* Walking LRL - 3 counts
* Right Hip twist on count 8
(Repeat 4 times)

2:59 Finale
NEW
2 x 8 counts: Front to Back Figure 8
* Front to Back Figure 8 (ET)
(Repeat 2 times)

2 x 8 counts: ¾ Front to Back Figure 8
* Feet: step-together-step (downbeat Right foot), hold count 4
* Hips: ¾ Front to Back Figure 8 (downbeat Right) [RLR, hold, LRL, hold]
(Repeat 2 times)

2 x 8 counts: Back to Front Figure 8
* Feet: Walking backwards, downbeat Right, ET (4 counts each side)
* Hips: Back to Front Figure 8, downbeat Right, ET (4 counts each side)

Pose

Thank you for a fantastic 8 weeks! I hope you've enjoyed the class as much as I have. More importantly, I hope you can see how much you have progressed in the past 8 week!

Remember the new series starts next week!
See you soon!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

TFBD Mar/Apr Class 7 Notes

2011-04-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!
We're almost done with the choreography!

Time	Movement	Music	Counts	FC pattern
0:06	Wait off stage	Intro	16	none
0:11	Feet – Step touch HT dbR, then pause HT. Repeat. Torso - Wait count 1. Und d2u FT, then hip single FT dbR, pause count 4. Arms – 5th position.	Theme 1: Mizmar	2 x 8	337
0:22	Feet – Cross step HT dbR in CCW circular floor pattern. Torso – Int chest circle HT dbR CCW. Arms – 2nd position.	Theme 2: Orchestral with tambourine	2 x 8	3
0:35	Motif: R shoulder roll b2f HT. L shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to L diagonal. Int chest circle dbR HT (2 counts). Und u2d FT (1 count). Und d2u FT (1 count). Int chest circle dbR HT (2counts). Und u2d HT (2 counts). Right foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end crossed over left foot (3 counts). Cross Turn dbR FT (1 count). [mirror the motif]: L shoulder roll b2f HT. R shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to R diagonal. Int chest circle dbL HT. Und u2d FT. Und d2u FT. Int chest circle dbR HT. Und u2d HT. Left foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end cross over left foot. Cross Turn dbL FT. Arms – high 1st position.	Mizmar solo	4 x 8	3-3-3-3-1
0:58	Figure 8 b2f ET	Bass & vocal	2 x 8	355
1:10	Ribcage Goosh Step – HT dbR (ct 1-6) + Baraka (ct 78) Travel in circular floor pattern.	Mizmar & vocal	4 x 8	31313
1:32	Group Combos	Mizmar Solo	4 x 8	3513
1:56	eet - Cross Touch ( on ct 12) dbR Torso – Shoulder R(+) L (3), chestlift (4) Repeat Left	Drum Interlude	8	follow body accents
2:01	Arabic I Feet – Walking HT Torso – Undulation U2D HT	Theme 2 Interlude	8	3
2:07	Lateral Body Wave (4 cts) + Interior hip circle (4 cts) - travel forward starting right diagonal, then left diagonal, repeat. Feet – Walking HT Torso – Undulation U2D HT	Theme 1 Mizmar	2 x 8	337
2:19	Running Choo Choo #4	Theme 2: Orchestral with tambourine	2 x 8	3
2:30	Hips – Fig 8 ¾ u2d dbR Chest – up down on cts 12+ and 16+	Drum Solo	2 x 8	None

HOMEWORK!
That's right! Don't forget you have homework due this week. Your task is to come up with your own 16 count replacement of the Drum Solo part. What we used in class is a "placeholder" and somewhat basic interpretation. Let's see what you and your ears come up with!

Remember we have just one more TFBD series before I go on maternity leave. The next TFBD series (5 classes) starts Thursday, May 5th! Register here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerTF.shtml

Thank you for dancing!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Mar/Apr Class 7 Notes

2011-04-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies!

Here are the notes from this second to last class of the series! Remember that we have just one more series left before I go on maternity leave. The next series starts the week after next, so make sure you sign up soon! Register here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerBB.shtml

Class 7. Shimmy, Grapevine, and Hip Twists

1. Review:* Hip Figure 8 Up to Down

2. Shimmy, Grapevine, and TwistsIn place: shimmy standing and then with weight on one leg
Hip twists in place, with weight on one leg, and while traveling
Grapevine traveling left and right

Combos:* Step, Step, Step, Twist – Step right, left, right, touch the left foot and twist the left hip. Step left, right, left, touch the right foot and twist the right hip. Repeat

* Shimmy and Grapevine – Standing shimmy for 4 counts. Grapevine traveling to the left starting with the right foot crossing over the left foot, step the left foot out to the left, step the right foot behind the left, step the left foot out to the left.

3. Review Choreography

0:10 Intro
4 x 8 counts: Arm waves & Cross Touch
* Right arm wave and right foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and left foot extends - 4 counts
* Right arm wave and left foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and right foot extends - 4 counts
* repeat
0:30 Vocal
4 x 8 counts: Hip Slides & Hip Circle
* Hip slide right - 4 counts
* Hip slide left - 4 counts
* Hip circle downbeat left clockwise - 8 counts
* repeat

4 x 8 counts: Chest Circle & Arm Waves
* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to stage right - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts
* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to upstage - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts

1:09 Theme
4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Down to Up variations[Facing upstage]
* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts
[walking ¾ T to face front]
* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

1:29 Vocal
4 x 8 counts: Undulation & Broken Undulation in circle formation
* Undulations up to down QT, walking right QT- 4 counts
* Broken Undulation: Chest lock up down, Pelvic lock front back. Walking right QT - 4 counts
* Repeat 4 times, traveling in a group circle (facing outward from circle)

4 x 8 counts: : Interior and exterior circles
* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)

2:09 Interlude
4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Up to Down variations
* Figure 8 up to down, downbeat right - 8 counts
* Figure 8 up to down,, downbeat right - 8 counts
[walking ¾ T to face back]
* Figure 8 up to down,, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts
* Figure 8 up to down,, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

2:29 Build Up
NEW
4 x 8 counts: Shimmy and Grapevine
* Standing in place shimmy - 4 counts
* Grapevine traveling to the left - 4 counts
(Repeat 4 times)

2 x 8 counts: Hip Twist
* Walking RLR - 3 counts
* Left Hip twist on count 4
* Walking LRL - 3 counts
* Right Hip twist on count 8
(Repeat 4 times)

Have a stellar weekend!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

TFBD Mar/Apr Class 6 Notes

2011-04-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Finally, Lily is going to put the table of choreography and finger cymbals together for you. I hope it's detailed enough for you to practice with at home.

Time	Movement	Music	Counts	FC pattern
0:06	Wait off stage	Intro	16	none
0:11	Feet – Step touch HT dbR, then pause HT. Repeat. Torso - Wait count 1. Und d2u FT, then hip single FT dbR, pause count 4. Arms – 5th position.	Theme 1: Mizmar	2 x 8	337
0:22	Feet – Cross step HT dbR in CCW circular floor pattern. Torso – Int chest circle HT dbR CCW. Arms – 2nd position.	Theme 2: Orchestral with tambourine	2 x 8	3
0:35	Motif: R shoulder roll b2f HT. L shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to L diagonal. Int chest circle dbR HT (2 counts). Und u2d FT (1 count). Und d2u FT (1 count). Int chest circle dbR HT (2counts). Und u2d HT (2 counts). Right foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end crossed over left foot (3 counts). Cross Turn dbR FT (1 count). [mirror the motif]: L shoulder roll b2f HT. R shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to R diagonal. Int chest circle dbL HT. Und u2d FT. Und d2u FT. Int chest circle dbR HT. Und u2d HT. Left foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end cross over left foot. Cross Turn dbL FT. Arms – high 1st position.	Mizmar solo	4 x 8	3-3-3-3-1
0:58	Figure 8 b2f ET	Bass & vocal	2 x 8	355
1:10	Ribcage Goosh Step – HT dbR (ct 1-6) + Baraka (ct 78) Travel in circular floor pattern.	Mizmar & vocal	4 x 8	31313
1:32	Group Combos	Mizmar Solo	4 x 8	3513
1:56	eet - Cross Touch ( on ct 12) dbR Torso – Shoulder R(+) L (3), chestlift (4) Repeat Left	Drum Interlude	8	follow body accents
2:01	Arabic I Feet – Walking HT Torso – Undulation U2D HT	Theme 2 Interlude	8	3
2:07	Lateral Body Wave (4 cts) + Interior hip circle (4 cts) - travel forward starting right diagonal, then left diagonal, repeat. Feet – Walking HT Torso – Undulation U2D HT	Theme 1 Mizmar	2 x 8	337

Remember the next TFBD series (5 classes) starts Thursday, May 5th! Register here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerTF.shtml

Thank you for dancing!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Mar/Apr Class 6 Notes

2011-04-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!

The major topics of this 6th class is the Figure 8 Up to Down (or Maya).

1. Quick warm up

2. Drills for Hip Figure 8 Up to Down
* Downbeat right, ET
* Downbeat right, HT
* Downbeat right, ¾ T
* Downbeat right, HT; walking HT downbeat right
* Downbeat right, ¾ T; walking ¾ T downbeat right
* Partnering: (travel toward partner, hook arms, circle, then back to your starting spot) Downbeat right, ¾ T; walking ¾ T downbeat right

3. Review the choreography from the bottom up!

Here is the choreography writeup:

0:10 Intro

4 x 8 counts: Arm waves & Cross Touch

* Right arm wave and right foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and left foot extends - 4 counts
* Right arm wave and left foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and right foot extends - 4 counts
* repeat

0:30 Vocal

4 x 8 counts: Hip Slides & Hip Circle

* Hip slide right - 4 counts
* Hip slide left - 4 counts
* Hip circle downbeat left clockwise - 8 counts
* repeat

4 x 8 counts: Chest Circle & Arm Waves

* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to stage right - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts
* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to upstage - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts

1:09 Theme

4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Down to Up variations[Facing upstage]

* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts

[walking ¾ T to face front]

* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

1:29 Vocal

4 x 8 counts: Undulation & Broken Undulation in circle formation

* Undulations up to down QT, walking right QT- 4 counts
* Broken Undulation: Chest lock up down, Pelvic lock front back. Walking right QT - 4 counts
* Repeat 4 times, traveling in a group circle (facing outward from circle)

4 x 8 counts: Interior and exterior circles

* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)

NEW
2:09 Interlude
4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Up to Down Partnering
Partnering: (travel toward partner, hook arms, circle, then back to your starting spot) Downbeat right, ¾ T; walking ¾ T downbeat right

For those who still need the music, here it is:
You can download the music here (right-click and select Save Target As), since it's not available for purchase anywhere.

Remember the next series (5 classes) starts May 4th! Register here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/registerBB.shtml

Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

TFBD Mar/Apr Class 5 Notes

2011-04-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

In this 5th class of the 8 week series, we did:

1. Warm up
2. Drills with finger cymbals
3. Movement drills with finger cymbals
4. Review choreography
5. Review group combos
6. Add finger cymbal patter 3-5-1-3 with our group combos.
7. Dance the choreography!

That was short and sweet!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Mar/Apr Class 5 Notes

2011-04-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies!

It's our fifth class together... which means there is only 3 more to go! Hope you're planning to continue on with the next session. It's been a real joy to spend these Wednesday nights with you.

Our main topic of this fifth class is the interior chest circles and the interior hip circles. But first, we start out with interior chest squares, then we move on to the interior hip squares, which are made up of pelvic locks and hip singles.

We practiced downbeat front clockwise: front, right, back, left; and also downbeat right counterclockwise: right, front, left, back. Once we have the four sides of a square, we can smooth it out into an interior circle.

We also reviewed the exterior circle to make sure we can feel the difference between the interior and exterior.

Our new combination is:

Two interior chest circles + One exterior chest circle
Two interior hip circles + One exterior hip circle
16 counts total
* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)

So, here's the choreography so far:
[Sorry about my memory lapse!]

0:10 Intro

4 x 8 counts: Arm waves & Cross Touch

* Right arm wave and right foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and left foot extends - 4 counts
* Right arm wave and left foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and right foot extends - 4 counts
* repeat

0:30 Vocal

4 x 8 counts: Hip Slides & Hip Circle

* Hip slide right - 4 counts
* Hip slide left - 4 counts
* Hip circle downbeat left clockwise - 8 counts
* repeat

4 x 8 counts: Chest Circle & Arm Waves

* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to stage right - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts
* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to upstage - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts

1:09 Theme

4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Down to Up variations[Facing upstage]

* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts

[walking ¾ T to face front]

* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

1:29 Vocal

4 x 8 counts: Undulation & Broken Undulation in circle formation

* Undulations up to down QT, walking right QT- 4 counts
* Broken Undulation: Chest lock up down, Pelvic lock front back. Walking right QT - 4 counts
* Repeat 4 times, traveling in a group circle (facing outward from circle)

NEW
4 x 8 counts: : Interior and exterior circles

* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior chest circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* interior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (4 counts)
* exterior hip circle downbeat right, counterclockwise (8 counts)

For those that haven't gotten the music, here it is:
You can download the music here (right-click and select Save Target As), since it's not available for purchase anywhere.

Have a great weekend!
See you all next week!
Lily

TFBD Mar/Apr Class 4 Notes

2011-04-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Simply put, this FOURTH class of our TFBD series was all about mixing it up and seeing how you adapt to new challenges.
Here's a recap:
1. Warmup
2. Finger cymbals warmup. Going around the room and having each person play 8 counts of one pattern.
3. Bellydance drills around the room while playing finger cymbals. What seems to be a "basic" hip movement now becomes challenging when we're having to isolate the fingers from the hips!
4. Review of the choreography so far.
5. Break up into two groups. Each group to create their own 32 count combination.

Next week... we add the finger cymbals to the two 32-count combination. It's going to tie in really nicely... I can tell already!

Thanks for a great class!
Love to you all!
lily

Bellydance Basics Mar/Apr Class 4 Notes

2011-03-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

We did A L O T today! Typically, I break up chest locks, pelvic locks, and undulations into 3 separate classes, but you ladies were stellar and did a fantastic job picking up the material... We just were able to cover this much.

Key things to remember is that chest and pelvic LOCKS are isolated and sharp/precise movements. It's a rotation in the chest or pelvic part of the body. We're not moving this body part in a front or back direction. Also, your undulations are made of of these chest and pelvic rotations. Making these movements smooth and connected are what creates an undulation from up to down. It's a good idea to practice them connected in an "Undulation" and also separated, sharp locks into a "Broken Undulation".

Class 4. Chest Locks, Pelvic Locks, Undulations

1. Warm up
2. Drills:
while seated: chest locks, arm waves, chest circles
standing in place: pelvic lock, chest lock - pelvic lock, undulation
walking:
pelvic lock HT dbF, walking QT dbR
pelvic lock HT dbB, walking QT dbR
alternating chest lock - pelvic lock HT dbF, walking QT dbR (Step right foot for chest lock up down. Step left foot for pelvic lock front back)
undulation QT dbF, walking QT dbR
undulation HT dbF, walking HT dbR

3. New Combo:

* Undulations up to down QT, walking right QT- 4 counts

* Broken Undulation: Chest lock up down, Pelvic lock front back. Walking right QT - 4 counts

4. Review Choreography

0:10 Intro

4 x 8 counts: Arm waves & Cross Touch

* Right arm wave and right foot cross - 4 counts

* Left arm wave and left foot extends - 4 counts

* Right arm wave and left foot cross - 4 counts

* Left arm wave and right foot extends - 4 counts

* repeat

0:30 Vocal

4 x 8 counts: Hip Slides & Hip Circle

* Hip slide right - 4 counts

* Hip slide left - 4 counts

* Hip circle downbeat left clockwise - 8 counts

* repeat

4 x 8 counts: Chest Circle & Arm Waves

* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to stage right - 8 counts

* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts

* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to upstage - 8 counts

* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts

1:09 Theme

4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Down to Up variations

[Facing upstage]

* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts

* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts

[walking ¾ T to face front]

* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

NEW 1:29 Vocal

4 x 8 counts: Undulation & Broken Undulation in circle formation

* Undulations up to down QT, walking right QT- 4 counts

* Broken Undulation: Chest lock up down, Pelvic lock front back. Walking right QT - 4 counts

* Repeat 4 times, traveling in a group circle (facing outward from circle)

Hope you enjoyed it!
Lily

ABDC 2011 Registration

2011-03-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

Have you signed up for the Austin Belly Dance Convention yet? If you haven't you should! There are so many reasons to be there:

* New venue! That's right! It'll be at the Holiday Inn Midtown, which is next to Highland Mall. The hotel has been updating its digs, so you are in for a swanky modern vibe. What a treat for us belly dancers!

* Live band! From Dallas, Texas, Badrawn will be playing some sweet classic and unexpected bellydance tunes for us during the Social Hour Show, which starts at 7pm. Get there early to get a good seat and purchase your tickets in advance.

* WORKSHOPS! Yes, we have instructors from Texas, California, and New Jersey, making this a cross-national event! It's not everyday you get all these options under one roof. There are so many different topics, offering something for the drummers, the movers-and-shakers, the thinkers, etc. Check the registration page for class times and signups: http://abdc.staceylizette.com/registration.html
In case you are wondering, yes, I am teaching one of the afternoon workshops! Join me!

* Suhaila! It's so good to have Suhaila back in Texas. She was in Houston for a brief stint last fall, but this time, not only will she be teaching her mother Jamila Salimpour's format, but she's also bringing Bal Anat for the Saturday Night Gala Show! If you don't know what Bal Anat is... you need to: http://www.suhailainternational.com/FromManyTribesOriginsofBalAnat.pdf

* Shows! Shows! Shows! It's not enough to have just a Friday night show and a Saturday night show. Let's face it. We get together once a year. We hang out. We learn... but we also want to see some fabulous dancing. So, there is also Friday Social Hour show which starts at 7pm before the Friday Gala show which starts at 8pm. There is the Saturday afternoon Performance Evaluation show, followed by the Open Stage show. In the evening, we kick off with performances at 7pm with the Saturday Social Hour show, and then for the big bang at 8pm, we have the Bal Anat Show... first time ever in Texas!

Enough of me going on and on about this event. Let's rendevous at ABDC 2011!
www.TheABDC.com

TFBD Mar/Apr Class 3 Notes

2011-03-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!
Are you being challenged? I hope so.

Here is a super brief recap:

1. Walking creatively around the room with your finger cymbals.

2. Warm up

3. Drilling the down to up undulations.

4. Drilling ribcage down to up figure 8's.

5. New material for the choreo:

- Take the Jamila Salimpour "Goosh Step" and modified it by moving the figure 8 to a figure 8 at the ribcage. Then add walking.

- Back to front figure 8's with walking.

- Baraka

6. Choreo so far...

Time	Movement	Music	Counts	FC pattern
0:06	Wait off stage	Intro	16	none
0:11	Feet – Step touch HT dbR, then pause HT. Repeat. Torso - Wait count 1. Und d2u FT, then hip single FT dbR, pause count 4. Arms – 5th position.	Theme 1: Mizmar	2 x 8	337
0:22	Feet – Cross step HT dbR in CCW circular floor pattern. Torso – Int chest circle HT dbR CCW. Arms – 2nd position.	Theme 2: Orchestral with tambourine	2 x 8	3
0:35	Motif: R shoulder roll b2f HT. L shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to L diagonal. Int chest circle dbR HT (2 counts). Und u2d FT (1 count). Und d2u FT (1 count). Int chest circle dbR HT (2counts). Und u2d HT (2 counts). Right foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end crossed over left foot (3 counts). Cross Turn dbR FT (1 count). [mirror the motif]: L shoulder roll b2f HT. R shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to R diagonal. Int chest circle dbL HT. Und u2d FT. Und d2u FT. Int chest circle dbR HT. Und u2d HT. Left foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end cross over left foot. Cross Turn dbL FT. Arms – high 1st position.	Mizmar solo	4 x 8	3-3-3-3-1
0:58	Figure 8 b2f ET	Bass & vocal	2 x 8	355
1:10	Ribcage Goosh Step – HT dbR (ct 1-6) + Baraka (ct 78)	Mizmar & vocal	4 x 8	31313

Hope you're enjoying the finger cymbals!!!
Love it!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Mar/Apr Class 3 Notes

2011-03-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

My oh my! We're only in week three, and already, I feel like you've come a long way. For some of you, I know the "slowness" is probably the most challenging of all. We just want to move-move-move just like our brains are going-going-going non-stop! Like I had said in class, take on this challenge of moving slowly from within... like a moving meditation.

Here's a quick recap of class today:

Class 3. Figure 8: Down to Up
1. Review

* Hip Slides
* Chest Slides
* Arm Waves
* Hip Half Circles
* Hip Circles
* Chest Circles

2. Hip Figure 8 Down to Up

* Downbeat right, ET
* Downbeat left, ET
* Downbeat right, HT
* Downbeat left, HT
* Downbeat right, ¾ T
* Downbeat left, ¾ T
* Downbeat right, HT; walking HT downbeat right
* Downbeat left, HT; walking HT downbeat left
* Downbeat right, ¾ T; walking ¾ T downbeat right
* Downbeat left, ¾ T; walking ¾ T downbeat left

KEY of shorthand:
ET - Eighth time, meaning, this movement takes 8 counts
HT - Half time, meaning, this movement takes 4 counts
3/4 T - three-quarter, meaning, right-left-right-HOLD and left-right-left-HOLD.
Downbeat right - means we start on the right
Downbeat left - means we start on the left

3. Review Choreography
0:10 Intro
4 x 8 counts: Arm waves & Cross Touch

* Right arm wave and right foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and left foot extends - 4 counts
* Right arm wave and left foot cross - 4 counts
* Left arm wave and right foot extends - 4 counts
* repeat

0:30 Vocal
4 x 8 counts: Hip Slides & Hip Circle

* Hip slide right - 4 counts
* Hip slide left - 4 counts
* Hip circle downbeat left clockwise - 8 counts
* repeat

4 x 8 counts: Chest Circle & Arm Waves

* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to stage right - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts
* Exterior chest circle downbeat front clockwise, while turning to upstage - 8 counts
* Arm waves downbeat Right - 8 counts

1:09 Theme
4 x 8 counts: Figure 8 Down to Up variations
[Facing upstage]

* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, downbeat right - 8 counts

[walking ¾ T to face front]

* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts
* Figure 8 down to up, ¾ T (RLR, LRL) - 8 counts

Hope you enjoyed it! See you next week!
Lliy

TFBD Mar/Apr Class 2 Notes

2011-03-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Dancers!
In this second class, we warmed up with our finger cymbals, followed by a moderate physical warmup, drilling and breakdown of the movements so far in the choreography and then introduced the new section:

Motif:
R shoulder roll b2f HT.
L shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to L diagonal. Int chest circle dbR HT (2 counts).
Und u2d FT (1 count). Und d2u FT (1 count).

Int chest circle dbR HT (2counts).
Und u2d HT (2 counts).
Right foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end crossed over left foot (3 counts).
Cross Turn dbR FT (1 count).

[mirror the motif]:
L shoulder roll b2f HT.
R shoulder roll f2b HT with body pivot to R diagonal. Int chest circle dbL HT.
Und u2d FT. Und d2u FT.

Int chest circle dbR HT.
Und u2d HT.
Left foot extends behind and drags in half circle to end cross over left foot.
Cross Turn dbL FT.

Arms – high 1st position.

Finger cymbals are 3's alternating with pauses, and a single on count 8.

Hopefully, you can make out the cryptic shorthand above.
See you Thursday!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Mar/Apr Class 2 Notes

2011-03-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies!
For this second class of the series, we covered Circles! Exterior circles on the horizontal plane.

Exterior Hip Half Circle

So before we even go into a full circle, let's take a look at a half circle.
1. If we start on the right, going counterclockwise, we slide our hips to the right, the round up to the front, then round over the left. You should end up on your left hip slide.
2. If we start on the

Exterior Hip Circle

1. Options for your starting side or "downbeat": front, right, left, or back. Remember that each of the sides is actually a slide and that this hip circle is like the hoola hoop around your hips. It's super important to keep your knees soft. Any time you straighten or lock your knees, there is tension in the areas that would be counterproductive to what we want to achieve.

2. Options for your timing or speed: quarter time (slow), half time (medium), and full time (fast).

3. Options for directions: clockwise or counterclockwise.

4. Options for your feet (This isn't all the options, but these are what we explored in class): One foot steps per circle, two feet per circle. Then challenge yourself by stepping on the foot opposite the hip that starts.

Then we take the circle to the chest or ribcage. The same concepts mentioned above applies to the ribcage too. Remember to keep the movements horizontal.

Here are the combinations we covered:

1. Arm waves + Step touch
The right arm waves for 4 counts as you step right foot over left. The left arm waves for 4 counts as you extend the left foot out to the left. The right arm waves for 4 counts as you step the left foot over the right. The left arm waves for 4 counts as you extend the right foot out to the right.

Repeat!

2. Hip Slide + Hip Circles
Slide the hips to the right for 4 counts, the slide the hips to the left for 4 counts.
Exterior hip circle starting left, front, right, back for 4 counts; then two faster hip circles for 4 counts.

3. Chest circle + Arm wave
Exterior chest circle starting front, right, back left with a quarter turn to the right for 8 counts. Repeat.
Arm wave right for 4 counts, arm wave left for 4 counts.

Practice these and we will work on actually pairing these movements to the phrases in the music next week!

Lily

Choreography updates to "Never Does the Light Shine on Me"

2011-03-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

For the TFBD students performing at the upcoming Hip Circle Hafla...

Here are the updates to the 'Never Does the Light Shine on Me' choreography:

0:00	Intro:	Wait (16 cts)
0:10	Vocal:	Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts) Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts)
0:30	Beats:	Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 3 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 4 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts)
0:50	Transition:	Pose (8 cts)
0:55	Intro:	Turkish Walk facing right diagonal (16 cts), Turkish Walk (8 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts)
1:15	Beats:	8-Count, starting stage right (8 cts), stage left (8 cts), stage front (8 cts), walk to inner-facing circle (8 cts)
1:35	Mizmar Q/A:	Maya (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts) Twist Step (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts) Samiha (8 cts) + Pivot Shift Step to the next formation(8 cts)
2:05	Drum Transition:	Locks: head slide RL, Chest up down up, Rshoulder FB F, chest up drop
2:10	Vocal:	V step + V step with turns
2:30	Vocal and Violins:	X step (8 cts: QT+HT), Goosh Step traveling vertically or around yourself(8 cts) X step (8 cts: QT+HT), Goosh Step traveling horizontally or around yourself (8 cts)
2:50	no drum transition:	Taxeem with arms at (8 counts)
2:55	no drum instruments:	Turkish Back Walk facing stage right, arms up every 8 counts (3 x 8 counts)

See you at rehearsal today at 7:30!
Lily

Hip Circle Hafla is March 19th

2011-03-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

You know this is the hippest, most happening dance venue for belly dance
students in Austin, and each show gets better and better! The Hip Circle
Hafla was created by Bahaia, Stacey-Lizette and Najla as a way to showcase
their student's performances. This year, we're excited to add Lily and her
students to the mix, as well as expanding our showcase to include an actual
hafla! That's right, we're going to rak it old school (seriously bad pun
intended) and not only have planned performances but open up the stage to
all of you to showcase your best dance moves.

The hafla will be held at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio (13343 Hwy 183
North, Suite #285) on March 19 from 7:00 to 9:00, and the cost is only $5(cash only at the door please). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., bring some food or
drinks for the potluck, and your best dancing attire (coins, sparkles and
rhinestones strongly encouraged).

The first half of the show will be performances from all four teachers and
their students, followed up by DJ Naj spinning some tunes and our live
drummers helping you figure out all those wonderful dance rhythms. So, come
practice your dance moves, perfect your shimmy, and hip drop 'til you drop!

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Bahaia
Lily
Najla
Stacey-Lizette

TFBD Mar/Apr Class 1 Notes

2011-03-10T23:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Dancers!
After a quick warm up of the finger cymbals, we went into a real warm up and then a break down of the movements. In general, these movements aren't anything earth shattering. However, once you add the finger cymbals, you'll realize it's a lot more challenging than you thought!

Drills:
1. While seated, practice undulations, broken up into sections, then smoothed out. Vary the speed. Slow (QT), medium (HT), fast(FT).
2. Step touch with finger cymbal pattern 337.
3. Step touch and undulations with finger cymbal pattern 337.

Here is the key to the shorthand:
FT = Full time. The movement gets 1 beat. Musically, think quarter notes.
HT = Half time. The movement gets 2 beats. Musically, think half notes.
QT = Quarter time. The movements gets 4 beats. Musically, think whole notes.
dbR = down beat right
dbL = down beat left
Und = undulation
d2u = down to up
5th arm position = arms straight up over head
2nd arm position = arms straight out to the side at armpit level
Int = interior
CW = clockwise
CCW = counter-clockwise

1. Step Touch Combo:
Feet – Step touch HT dbR (step R on count 1, touch left on count 2), then pause HT (wait counts 3 and 4). Repeat other side.
Torso - Wait count 1. Und d2u FT (count 2), then hip single FT dbR (right hip up on count 3 and down on +), pause count 4.
Arms – 5th position.
Finger Cymbals - 337

2. Floating Circles Combo:
Feet – Cross step HT dbR (right foot steps over left foot on count 1, left foot steps out to left on count 2) in CCW circular floor pattern.
Torso – Int chest circle HT dbR CCW.
Arms – 2nd position.
Finger Cymbals - 3

We also started to put these two sections to the music: "Tafani" by Solace.
Hope you enjoyed it!
See you next week... we'll be drilling more movements with finger cymbals... yeah!!!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Bellydance Basics Mar/Apr Class 1 Notes

2011-03-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies!
I hope you enjoyed our first class of this new series. The music we are dancing to is "Cleopatra in New York" by Nickodemus.

Here's a recap of what we covered in class:

Class 1: Posture, Hip and Chest Slides, Arm Waves and general overview
1. Posture
• Feet flat, hip socket distance apart.
• Knees slightly bent, soft.
• Hips are squared over the ankles.
• Flat back.
• Ribcage directly over the hips.
• Shoulders relaxed down.
• Neck long.
• Chin lifted.
• Crown of the head to the sky.
• Finger tips are extensions of the arms.
• Energy throughout.
2. Hip Slides
Reminder: Keep the upper body in place.
• isolated hip slides.
o smooth and sharp.
o walking with hip slides
o walking with opposite hip slides
3. Chest Slides
Reminder: Keep the head in place.
• isolated chest slides.
o smooth and sharp
o walking with chest slides
o walking with opposite chest slides
4. Hip Slides and Chest Slides
Reminder: Keep the head in place.
• opposite hip slides with chest slides
• smooth and sharp
• walking with opposite hip slides and chest slides
5. Arm waves
• isolate shoulder, elbow, wrist, knuckle, finger tips.
• connect and smooth out the sections.
• alternate right and left arm.
• practice large arm waves.
• practice small arm waves at shoulder height.

We will start putting some movements together starting next week. You can download the music here (right-click and select Save Target As), since it's not available for purchase anywhere.

Hope you enjoyed our first class together. Looking forward to next week!
Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

TFBD Class 6 Notes

2011-02-27T22:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Dancers!

I hope that you've really enjoyed this 6-week series which included a choreography based on Jamila Salimpour repertoire and finger cymbals. This last class, we transformed the choreography from a normal sequence of movements into something really cool! The formation changes and partner work should create another dynamic to the dance. It's really important to know the sequence of movements, but I'm hoping that you'll start to associate your place on the room (or stage) with the movement you are executing.

Hope you've enjoyed this exploration... 'til next time!

Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

Bellydance Basics Class 6 Notes

2011-02-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

So what did we do in the last class of the 6-week series? We reviewed, of course!
Though, not only did we reviewed the movements, but we also put a couple of them together to make for a short combo. Here are a few examples:

Arabic 2 and Pivot Shift Step
Arabic 3 and Running Choo Choo
Hip Slides and Basic Egyptian with full turn
Figure 8 and Hip Circle
Turkish walk and Hip Circle

The possibilities are endless!

Hope you enjoyed this series... 'til next time!
We start March 9th!

Lily
www.LilyBellydance.com

February 2011 Newsletter

2011-02-18T17:44:00.000-08:00

Finally... the first newsletter for 2011.
Lots of good news folks! Read all about it!
February 2011 Newsletter from Lily Bellydance

TFBD Class 5 Notes

2011-02-17T23:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Dancers!
Here's a quick recap of what we covered in our fifth class of this six-week TFBD series.

Taxeem (aka Down-to-up Figure 8's): You can think of this as the reverse of the Maya movement we did previously. The Taxeem starts with the hip down, slide out, lift up and pulling in. Covering both sides to draw an infinity sign.

Goosh Step: Let's take the Taxeem and add some foot work! If we start with the right foot and right hip, the right foot steps flat and knee bends to get low (count 1), left foot steps on the ball (count 2), right foot steps on the ball (count 3), then the left foot steps on the ball (count 4). With each step that same side hip completes that side of the figure 8.

Back-to-front Figure 8: Now taking the figure 8 on the horizontal place, start with the right hip back, draw a curved line up to the right front corner. Take the left hip and slide the hip back to the back left corner, draw a curved line up to the left front corner. Slide the right hip back to the back right corner... so on, and so forth. Remember to keep the knees soft and your arms and shoulders unaffected by the hip movements.

Turkish Back Walk: Simply put, this is a reverse undulation. Start the contraction in the lower ab, mid ab, upper ab, then upper back (ending in a chest lift). Practice really slowly to get the transition from one muscle group to the next.

Choreography!

0:00	Intro:	Wait (16 cts)
0:10	Vocal:	Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts) Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts)
0:30	Beats:	Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 3 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 4 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts)
0:50	Transition:	Pose (8 cts)
0:55	Intro:	Turkish Walk facing right diagonal (16 cts), Turkish Walk (8 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts)
1:15	Beats:	8-Count, starting stage right (8 cts), stage left (8 cts), stage front (8 cts), stage back (8 cts)
1:35	Mizmar Q/A:	Maya (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts) Twist Step (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts) Samiha (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts)
2:05	Drum Transition:	Locks: head slide RL, Chest up down up, Rshoulder FB F, chest up drop
2:10	Vocal:	V step + V step with turns
2:30	Vocal and Violins:	X step (8 cts: QT+HT), Goosh Step (8 cts) half turn
2:50	no drum transition:	Taxeem (8 counts)
2:55	no drum instruments:	Turkish Back Walk ( 3 x 8 counts)

The fun is almost over... Next week is our last class for the series. Of course we have the next series, which starts March 10th .... same time... same place... new material:
Thursdays, March 10 - April 28, 2011 (8 weeks)
7:30 - 8:45 PM at Cafe Dance
3307 B Hancock Drive, Austin, Texas 78731 (near the intersection of Balcones Drive and Hancock Drive, next to Russell's Bakery and Coffee Bar)
Cost of 8 classes: $96 / $84 if registered by February 18

Registration and details are available here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/instruction/index.shtml
Note that this is an 8-week series, and we will be working on a full dance routine!

See you next week!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Class 5 Notes

2011-02-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies!
Here's a quick recap of what we covered in our fifth class of the six-week series.

X-Step: Starting with the left foot and left hip, step on the ball of the left foot (putting your weight on it) and press the left hip out (your torso should be in line with your back foot); this is count 1. Slide the hip diagonally back to the back right corner; now your weight is on your right foot with knee bent; this is count 2. Twist the right hip forward with the right foot coming on to the ball of the foot and slide the left foot back; this is starting over again but now on the right foot. Slide the hips diagonally back to the back left corner; now your weight is on your left foot with knee bent. Continue again on the left side. Keep going and start to speed up the pace.

There was a question about where I buy bellydance stuff. There are a few places in town, and whenever there are workshops or festivals there are usually people selling bellydance wear. However, if you're looking for a one stop shop or you just want to browse there are two places that I frequent:
http://www.dahlal.com
http://www.bellydancestore.com

If you're looking for a good second-hand costume, there is:
Bhuz - This is a swap meet. All transactions are at your own risk. I sell my costumes here and have bought second-hand wears here too!

Qamar Bazaar - She's here in Austin!

The fun is almost over... Next week is our last class for the series, but it doesn't have to end! There are many teachers in town. Here's a quick list:

Stacey Lizette - Mondays 7-8 at Tapestry Dance (South). Tuesdays 6-6:50, 7-8, 8:15-9:30 at Nia Space (South Central).

Maribel - Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:30 at Flamencura (North Central).

Bahaia - Tuesdays 5:45 - 6:45 at the Carver Museum (Central). Sundays 5:45-6:45 at Arthur Murray Studio (Northwest)

Najla - Sundays 4-5, 5-6:30 at Tarrytown Dance (Central).

Check out each instructor's website and contact them prior to the class to confirm time, location, and rates.

Of course I have new class material ready for you for the next series, which starts March 9th .... same time... same place:
Wednesdays, March 9 - April 27, 2011 (8 weeks)
7:30 - 8:45 PM at Flamencura Dance Studio
7113 Burnet Rd. # 111, Austin, Texas 78757 (Behind Dallas Nite Club)
Cost of 8 classes: $96 / $84 if registered by February 18

Registration and details are available here:
http://www.lilybellydance.com/instruction/index.shtml
Note that this is an 8-week series, and we will be working on a full dance routine!

See you all next week!
Lily

TFBD Class 4 Notes

2011-02-10T23:34:00.000-08:00

Hello TFBD Thursday dancers!
Here's what we covered today:

Basic Egyptian: Not to be confused with the American Tribal Style (ATS) Basic Egyptian. This is from the Jamila Salimpour format. The movement is more like the "reverse" of the Pivot-Shift-Step. Meaning, we step first, then pivot.
Starting with the right foot, step right (put weight on the right foot), then touch the left foot on the ball and twist the left hip forward. Now, step on to the left foot flat (put weight on the left foot), then touch the right foot on the ball and twist the right hip forward.

With this movement, travel forward.

Travel backwards.

Basic Egyptian with Full Spin: Turn to the right (counts 1 and 2, using right and left foot), step right (count 3), touch the left foot on the ball and twist the left hip forward (count 4). Turn to the left (counts 5 and 6, using left and right foot), step left (count 7), touch the right foot on the ball and twist the right hip forward (count 8).

Basic Egyptian with Open Spin: Turn over right shoulder but traveling forward (counts 1-4); the feet are right foot flat, left foot releve, right foot flat, left foot releve. Step right foot flat (count 5), touch left foot on the ball and twist left hip forward (count 6). Step left foot flat (count 7), touch right foot on the ball and twist right hip forward (count 8).

V-Step: This is a 16-count movement. Walk RLRL to left diagonal (start by right foot stepping behind left), Basic Egyptian (R and L sides for 4 counts); Walk RLRL to right diagonal (start by right foot stepping behind left), Basic Egyptian (R and L sides for 4 counts).

V-Step with turns: This is a 16-count movement. 4-count turn start with right foot behind left turning over right shoulder, walk RLRL to left diagonal, Basic Egyptian (R and L sides for 4 counts); 4-count turn start with right foot behind left turning over right shoulder, Basic Egyptian (R and L sides for 4 counts).

Choreography!

0:00	Intro:	Wait (16 cts)
0:10	Vocal:	Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts) Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts)
0:30	Beats:	Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 3 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 4 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts)
0:50	Transition:	Pose (8 cts)
0:55	Intro:	Turkish Walk facing right diagonal (16 cts), Turkish Walk (8 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts)
1:15	Beats:	8-Count, starting stage right (8 cts), stage left (8 cts), stage front (8 cts), stage back (8 cts)
1:35	Mizmar Q/A:	Maya (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts) Twist Step (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts) Samiha (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts)
2:05	Drum Transition:	Locks: head slide RL, Chest up down up, Rshoulder FB F, chest up drop
2:10	Vocal:	V step + V step with turns

Thanks for a great class.
Happy Valentine's weekend.
See you next week!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Class 4 Notes

2011-02-09T23:34:00.000-08:00

Today we covered hands and arms. The key points are (remember these are generalizations):
1. when lifting the hand, lead with the top of the wrist.
2. when lowering the hand, press the palm and extend the fingers.
Imagine a line of energy running through from your wrist to your finger tips.
3. when lifting the arm, keep in mind the 4 main areas that need to be active, in order: shoulders, elbows, wrist, and finger tips.
4. when lowering, the same order: shoulders, elbows, wrist, and finger tips.
5. shoulder are kept gentle.

Our new movements are:

REVIEW!

Thanks for braving the cold.
Happy Valentine's weekend.
See you next week!
Lily

Valentine's Sahara Nights this Saturday!

2011-02-08T14:05:00.001-08:00

If you're looking for something different to do this Saturday... something different from the typical dinner and a movie thing, come check out Sahara Nights at Copa!

http://www.sabayabellydance.com/sn2011feb.html

This may very well be my LAST performance for a while. Hope to see everyone there!

With lots of HIPS!
lily

TFBD Class 3 Notes

2011-02-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone made is safe home. There was a little bit of ice on my windshield when I left the studio, but it melted away quickly with the defroster. The roads were bare and safe enough to make it home without any troubles. I'm speaking for myself, of course... so I hope everyone else had it as easy as I did.

Our new finger cymbal pattern is: 3513
We reviewed: 355, 31313

Just to recap, the new movements introduced today are:

Pivot-Shift-Step: This is a 3-part movement. Starting with left foot flat, step the right foot on the ball and twist the right hip forward on count 1. On count 2, shift the weight over to the left and release the hip back to neutral. On count 3, step the right foot flat. Hold in place for count 4.

Now the left side: Step the left foot on the ball and twist the left hip forward on count 1. On count 2, shift the weight over to the right foot and release the hip back to neutral. On count 3, step the left foot flat. Hold in place for count 4.

Now, you can start again on the right side.

Baraka: This is essentially the Pivot Shift Step with a half turn. Starting with left foot flat, step the right foot on the ball and twist the right hip forward on count 1. On count 2, shift the weight over to the left and release the hip back to neutral. On count 3, step the right foot flat. Half turn to face back on count4.

Now facing the back, we do the left side: Step the left foot on the ball and twist the left hip forward on count 1. On count 2, shift the weight over to the right foot and release the hip back to neutral. On count 3, half turn to face front to step the left foot flat. Hold in place for count 4.

Maya: Also known as the "up-to-down figure 8". You can think of this as a 4-part movement, although you really need to do both sides (8-part) to make a figure 8 shape(or infinity sign). Start with your right hip lifted (1), slide hip out to the right (2), drop the right hip down (3), then collect it back to neutral (4).

Now the left side: Left hip lifts up (1), slide hip out to the left (2), drop the left hip down (3), then draw the left hip back to neutral (4).

Now, continue on start again on the right side. Play with different speeds, slow, fast, medium... let's do it all.

Twist Step: Start with right foot flat and left foot on the ball behind right. Step the right foot flat (weight on right foot) and twist the left hip forward (yes, left hip) on count 1, then twist right hip forward on count 2. Step the left foot on the ball (weight on left foot) and twist the left hip forward on count 3, then twist the right hip forward on count 4. Repeat! Then repeat faster!

3/4 Shimmy on the down: Step the right foot with the right hip down-up-down-hold. Step the left foot with the left hip down-up-down-hold. Start slow and speed up to full tempo so that the feet are walking on the beat while the hips move 3 times per step.
Options are flat foot or on the ball of the feet.

Samiha: This movement is essentially 3/4 shimmy on the down with the right foot flat and left foot on the ball. Start with the right foot stepping over towards the left while the right hip twists and executes the 3/4 shimmy. Then step left foot on the ball and twist the hips back to neutral while executing the 3/4 shimmy. The difference in the timing is that the 3/4 shimmy starts before the beat (similar to our finger cymbal 3 pattern), so that the last hip down is actually ON the downbeat.

Here's the choreography so far:

0:00	Intro:	Wait (16 cts)
0:10	Vocal:	Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts) Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts)
0:30	Beats:	Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 3 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 4 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts)
0:50	Transition:	Pose (8 cts)
0:55	Intro:	Turkish Walk facing right diagonal (16 cts), Turkish Walk (8 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts)
1:15	Beats:	8-Count, starting stage right (8 cts), stage left (8 cts), stage front (8 cts), stage back (8 cts)
1:35	Mizmar Q/A:	Maya (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts) Twist Step (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts) Samiha (8 cts) + Baraka (8 cts)

Looks like it's another CHILLY week ahead of us. Stay warm and I will see you in class!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Class 3 Notes

2011-02-02T23:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks for making it out to class in this chilly... ok, freezing... weather. What better way to keep warm than to be dancing, learning to control your body parts, and burn some calories all at the same time. Like they say down under: "Good on ya, mate!"

Here's what we covered in this class:

Pivot-Shift-Step: This is a 3-part movement. Starting with left foot flat, step the right foot on the ball and twist the right hip forward on count 1. On count 2, shift the weight over to the left and release the hip back to neutral. On count 3, step the right foot flat. Hold in place for count 4.

Now the left side: Step the left foot on the ball and twist the left hip forward on count 1. On count 2, shift the weight over to the right foot and release the hip back to neutral. On count 3, step the left foot flat. Hold in place for count 4.

Now, you can start again on the right side.

Maya: Also known as the "up-to-down figure 8". You can think of this as a 4-part movement, although you really need to do both sides (8-part) to make a figure 8 shape(or infinity sign). Start with your right hip lifted (1), slide hip out to the right (2), drop the right hip down (3), then collect it back to neutral (4).

Now the left side: Left hip lifts up (1), slide hip out to the left (2), drop the left hip down (3), then draw the left hip back to neutral (4).

Now, continue on start again on the right side. Play with different speeds, slow, fast, medium... let's do it all.

Twist Step: Start with right foot flat and left foot on the ball behind right. Step the right foot flat (weight on right foot) and twist the left hip forward (yes, left hip) on count 1, then twist right hip forward on count 2. Step the left foot on the ball (weight on left foot) and twist the left hip forward on count 3, then twist the right hip forward on count 4. Repeat! Then repeat faster!

Review, review, review!

Stay warm and see you next week!
Lily

Brrr it's cold outside!

2011-02-01T14:55:00.001-08:00

For those that are wondering... Will we have class this week?
The answer is YES!!! At least that is the plan as of now. Sure, it's a 28 F cold (feels like 18 though), but what better way to warm up than to dance our little hearts out.

HOWEVER, if the weather gets bad (ie. percipitation... ice... snow) to where the road conditions are too dangerous for driving, I will call each and every one of you to let you know that class is cancelled.

Don't be afraid of the cold, it only happens once a year for us Texans. Think of the northerners that get a whole season of it!

'Til then, stay warm!
Lily

TFBD Class 2 Notes

2011-01-27T23:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Dancers! Great class. After a little review of the first class materials, we went right into the new stuff.

As for the Finger Cymbals, the new patterns are:

The movements we covered this class are:

Turkish Walk (aka body wave). This movement is essentially the exterior movement to the undulations we covered in the first class. Leading with the head, we lean forward, lift our entire torso up, the pull back down.
4-Count. Note that the steps are on counts 1-and-2-e. Step the right foot back behind the left on count '1'. Step left foot in place on count 'and'. Step right foot in front of the left toe, both feet in releve on count '2' while twisting the right hip forward. Step the left foot on the ball in place on count 'e'.
5-Count. Step right foot behind left, step left in place, then right-left-right in place like a "cha cha cha" move; Step left foot behind right, step right foot in place, then left-right-left in place like a "cha cha cha".
5-Count with half turns. A variation of this movement is to utilize the "cha cha cha" part to take a 3-step half turn. You can do this on every-other or on every "cha cha cha".
8-Count. Start with body and toes facing left diagonal. Feet flat, step right, left, right, left, right, left; step on the right ball to do a half turn, step left. Repeat this to get back to facing front. Pair this with arms: starting both arms up, gradually lower the arms to shoulder height. Then on count 7 (or when your right foot is on the ball), snap the arms back up.

For the choreography, only the Turkish Walk and the 8-Count is used.

Remember, the movement terms in bold are from the Jamila Salimpour Format.

As for the choreography to "Never Does the Light Shine on Me", so far we have:

0:00	Intro:	Wait (16 cts)
0:10	Vocal:	Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts) Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts)
0:30	Beats:	Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 3 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 4 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts)
0:50	Transition:	Pose (8 cts)
0:55	Intro:	Turkish Walk facing right diagonal (16 cts), Turkish Walk (8 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts), Turkish Walk (4 cts)
1:15	Beats:	8-Count, starting stage right (8 cts), stage left (8 cts), stage front (8 cts), stage back (8 cts)

Have fun practicing!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Class 2 Notes

2011-01-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

Ladies,
Thanks for a great second class of the series. Looks like everyone is getting a better hang of it. Hope you feel yourselves improving!

After reviewing the movements from the first class, we added these new movements to our repretoire:

1. Exterior Hip Circle, or hip circle for short. If you're practicing this, warm up with hip slides out to the sides, then sliding the hips forward and back, all while keeping your shoulders squared and head in the same place in space. Remember that your needs are bent and parallel, meaning one knee should not be more or less bent than the other. After warming up, start your hip circle to the front, then right, then back, then left. Keep the path a smooth and rounded shape. Then practice going the other direction.

2. Body Wave. This movement is essentially the exterior movement to the undulations we covered in the first class. Leading with the head, we lean forward, lift our entire torso up, the pull back down.

3. The 5-Count. Step right foot behind left, step left in place, then right-left-right in place like a "cha cha cha" move; Step left foot behind right, step right foot in place, then left-right-left in place like a "cha cha cha".

A variation of this movement is to utilize the "cha cha cha" part to take a 3-step half turn. You can do this on every-other or on every "cha cha cha".

4. The 8-Count. Start with body and toes facing left diagonal. Feet flat, step right, left, right, left, right, left; step on the right ball to do a half turn, step left. Repeat this to get back to facing front.

You can pair this with arms: starting both arms up, gradually lower the arms to shoulder height. Then on count 7 (or when your right foot is on the ball), snap the arms back up.

One of the ways to work on your undulations is to stand in front of a wall with your butt cheeks gently touching the wall.
1. Lift the chest up and you should feel some part of your shoulders or arms touch the wall.
2. Then drop the chest by contracting the upper abs. You should feel the middle of your back touch the wall. Shoulders no longer touching the wall.
3. Then pull the belly button into your spine or your lower abs contract. You should feel your low back touching the wall.
4. Relax back to the starting position.
When practicing, keep the sections separated. Don't be in a hurry to connect everything together. Isolation is tough!

Look forward to seeing you next week!
Lily

TFBD class 1

2011-01-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome TFBD dancers!
So glad we had some time to chat about finger cymbals. At first, I only kind of liked them... and I do agree that they are a little awkward at first to play while moving. Remember to always practice playing while dancing!

The finger cymbal patterns we covered were:
1. 1's
2. 3's
3. 31313

As for movements from the Jamila Salimpour format:
Running Choo Choo Family:
Running Choo Choo 1 - R ball, L flat; downbeat L
Running Choo Choo 2 - same as Running Choo Choo 1 except R foot forward and back
Running Choo Choo 3 - same as Running Choo Choo 1 except R foot forward 2 times, then back 2 times.
Running Choo Choo 3.5 - same as Running Choo Choo 1 except R foot forward 4 times, then back 4 times.
Running Choo Choo 4 - same as Running Choo Choo 1 except R foot steps forward at 1o'clcok, then to 2 o'clock, then 4 o'clock, then 5 o'clock.

Arabic Family:
Arabic 1 - L ball behind right with undulations
Arabic 2 - R flat, L ball, R ball, L ball with undulations
Arabic 3 - arabic 2 with R hip twist on 3, undulations
Arabic 4 - R forward, L step, R back , L step; with hip singles

Here is the beginning section of the choreography to "Never Does the Light Shine on Me":

0:00	Intro:	Wait (16 cts)
0:10	Vocal:	Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts) Arabic 2 (8 cts), Arabic 3 (8 cts)
0:30	Beats:	Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 3 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 4 (8 cts), Running Choo Choo 1 (8 cts)

Pop quiz on Thursday!
Lily

Bellydance Basics Class 1 Notes

2011-01-20T15:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies!
Thanks so much for an action packed first class of this 6 weeks series. Here's what we covered:

1. posture
2. hip singles
3. running choo choo
4. running choo choo variation with:
- one foot forward, one foot back
- two forward, two back
5. arabic (undulations)
6. arabic with a hip twist

No worries, we'll review all of this in the second class and add on some more movements.

See you Wednesday!
lily

Bellydance classes start this week!

2011-01-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Are you excited as I am?

I've recently fell in love with the old-school style of bellydancing. I suppose I am just an old-school kind of gal. I like old-school hip hop, vintage accoutrements, and good old fashion fun.

Some would call the Jamila Salimpour format bellydance to be the roots of tribal style bellydancing. There are definitely tribal elements in there, and there's even fusion of different Middle Eastern ethnic styles. She started fusion before there was fusion!

Just remember that the dance continues to evolve, but it's so important to know where some of these movements come from or how they got so popular. It's like studying American or World History, but much more fun!

Here are some articles about Jamila Salimpour:
http://www.suhailainternational.com/JamilaSpeechICMED1997May.pdf
http://www.suhailainternational.com/FromManyTribesOriginsofBalAnat.pdf

See you very soon!
Lily

Hello 2011!

2011-01-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

Hello 2011! We're all very excited to see what you have in store for us. 2010 was a good year with some ups and downs. I'm looking forward to making 2011 a very special year! There are some excited plans in the works, and I hope you'll join me along the way.

Here are a few events to put on your 2011 calendars:

1. Classes Starting!
Bellydance Basics - Wednesday, January 19
7:30 - 8:45 PM at Flamencura Dance Studio
7113 Burnet Rd. # 111, Austin, Texas 78757 (Behind Dallas Nite Club)

Tribal Fusion Bellydance - Thursday, January 20
7:45 - 9:00 PM at Cafe Dance
3307 B Hancock Drive, Austin, Texas 78731 (near the intersection of Balcones
Drive and Hancock Drive, next to Russell's Bakery)

2. Sahara Nights, Saturday, February 12 at Copa Bar. Doors open at 7. Bellydance lesson on the topic of arm movements at 7:30. Show starts at 8! http://www.sabayabellydance.com

3. Tribal Dance Camp 2011 featuring Kajira Djoumahna of BlackSheep BellyDance, Bahaia, and Michelle Manx! Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 4:00 PM - Sunday, April 03, 2011 at 1:00 PM
http://tribaldancecamp2011.eventbrite.com/

4. The Austin Belly Dance Convention. June 3-5, 2011. Featured artist:
SUHAILA SALIMPOUR with BAL ANAT. Check the website for schedule, workshop topics, and more! Yes, I'll be teaching a mini-workshop! http://www.theabdc.com