When I landed in Auckland, it was 5:30 in the morning. By the time, I got through immigration, baggage claim, and customs, it was 6:00. I was picked up by my dear friend Louise's man Mark, who was so helpful throughout the trip. We had some time before I was to check in to my room, so Mark swung by the near by beach to watch the sunrise. It was amazing; chilly but amazing. The beach was maybe about 10 minutes away... ya gotta love New Zealand!
I took a nap after checking into my room. Then Louise picked me up, and we went to the mall to do girly things like have lunch, manicures, etc. We went out for dinner at a yummy Japanese restaurant, then had a break before I taught a private class to another friend Christine and her dance partner Ivy.
Friday, I taught my first workshop to the advanced oriental style dancers. We packed in the material. It was a move after another. Then we broke out to small groups. After class, I met the guest drum teacher Matt Stonehouse from Melbourne. Having never worked together, I asked if he'd drum for me for the show the next night. He was keen, but we kept it a surprise.
Saturday, I taught an introductory class to Tribal Fusion style bellydance. Lots of eyes were opened, and I was glad people were enjoying it. There was the show rehearsal afterwards where we sorted out stage lighting and sound check. I was starving, so I snuck away with some other dancers to get pizza from the local chain called "Hell's Pizza". They have some crazy toppings on their pizza it makes American pizza look boring. The show was great. Lots of dancers in lots of different and creative pieces. Matt showed up right on time for the improv drum solo. We never practiced, just talked about what we'd do. I hope to get the video soon so I can see how it went!
Sunday, I taught 3 workshops. I had not slept much at all the previous night, but it didn't stop me. I loved every minute of the teaching and watching the dancers improve throughout the day. There were other workshops going on, but because I was teaching 3 in the day (timeslots allowed for 4 workshops per day), I didn't have the time to take someone else's class. After the workshops finished, there was "Tribal Jam" which was a party where the ATS (American Tribal Style) girls could get up and do their improvisational dance. I was so tired, I ended up picking up one of Matt's drums and drumming with the drummers instead of dancing.
Monday, I only taught 2 workshops today. In the morning, I taught my lastest and favorite choreography to date. Monday night, we had a hafla where there were people who performed. It's a different setting than from the show because there was not a stage or lighting but a big dance floor. Whoever wanted to dance could show up to the DJ with her music. So, I danced a short "Ana Fintazaraak" since the festival had been mostly tribal fusion based, I wanted to do a little modern Egyptian style for variety. Then all the drummers came out and jammed while everyone got up and danced. It was so much fun. I didn't want it to end. I was so tired, but I was loving the energy ... I had to dance!
I'm back in Austin now. It was a sad plane ride home. Matt had given me "Hic" which was some sort of Turkish music. I started listening to it on the airplane and tears started coming down.
Inspired in every possible way, I'm ready to start class again. Lots of new ideas. Get ready ladies! We're going to have lots of fun together really soon! See you in May!
Love,
Lily
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