\nPrevious 10\n
\nTribal CON!!
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Tribal con was magnificent. From the moment we left, we seemed to have a great time. We did get lost on the way, but luckily we figured out that there was a missing street sign and we got there safe and sound. The hotel had some issues, with crazy things like a towel rack that simply would not stay together and weird flickering lights, but the classes and the shopping were so great. We shared our room this year with our friend Alys from Charleston, who was helping out with the tribal con volunteering.
The very first class was a lecture from Donna Mejia. If you have never heard a lecture or taken a class from her, you are really missing out on a treasure. Her lecture was insightful and very smart, and I have already started working on the reading list she gave us. You really can never have enough information on bellydance.
Mira's workshops were spectacular as well. I can't WAIT until she comes here to Augusta!!!! : D
I was really glad I got to experience the discussion groups on Sunday. That was really enlightening.
I had to really steer myself clear of spending toooooo much money, because the vending was pretty much \"Everything a Bellydancer Could Want. Ever.\" I was really happy to see that Father Dunn was there- he has such amazing pieces.
The hafla was fun, but we were so tired we headed back up to the room after just a little bit of dancing. The show was really great as well... Onca's singing was the coolest surprise! She should totally do more of that! It was so soulful and touching. I really have to say the whole show was a wonderful package. I was really entertained throughout the show. So many great moments.
The whole experience was really wonderful. I left overall with a feeling that not only had I learned new moves, but that my mind was fed as well, which is something that I really haven't felt in previous events that I have attended. I was really grateful for the experience, and I had a truly great time!!!
Third Coast 09
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Soooo, Alchemy goes to TX. This was our first time there, and it was a pleasant experience overall. The flight out was uneventful, though the taxi drive out to the hotel was anything but. After trying to let us off at the wrong hotel, the taxi driver had to stop at two other hotels to get directions to ours. Note to self, next time we print out driving directions from the airport to the hotel, just in case! :D
Our hotel was nice and the smell of fresh baked cookies greeted us as we walked in the door, quickly followed by greetings of \"welcome to TX\" by a fellow dancer. I swear we all have bellydancer radar! :D
We headed out to the theatre where the workshops were being held and there was vending to be had. We met up with our buddy and roommate Joy http://joydances.com/ and the day spiraled out from there. That first day we talked and hung out some with GeishaMoth and I picked up a pair of armwarmers for my mom and a pair of Unmata cuffies for me. Love them! We got to meet Anaar too who had some gorgeous hair belts and delicate lacy black gauntlets. Beautiful stuff. There was a vendor or two we recognized from Spirit and Krishna from Atlanta had her tempting goodies there too.
Jeannie's first class was John Compton's Debke which she suffered through admirably well despite a calf injury. I enjoyed the hell out of Ariellah's Theatre in your Dance class. After my having to be forcibly dragged away from Christina's Black Lotus table and Marcy's beautiful trinkets, we headed back to the hotel to change and eat.
The Mexican place across the street, the Mercado Juarez had THE BEST ceviche ever! The Sangra Swirl was no slouch either! :D
The Friday night show was long, about 4 hours though there was a fire performance intermission. I think the getting up early taking a flight, and taking workshops all in the same day before the show really got to me. There are only two performers other than a local Augusta dancer, Alexx, that I can remember from the Friday night show. The first was Lauren Chechio and Silvia. Freaking masterpiece! I swear Lauren took my breath away and made the moment stand still with her didgeridoo playing. That woman NEEDS to have a CD out. Silvia Salamanca http://www.silviasalamanca.com/ was out of this world. I had never heard of her before so there were no expectations. I haven't felt that way about someone's bellydance performance since the early days of my seeing Rachel Brice. Silvia danced like other people have conversations, effortless looking. She enjoyed every second of it too as evidenced by her breaking out in a bit of laughter mid dance, you can't beat that! The other dancer who stood out, I had very high expectations for, and she exceeded them. I am speaking of course of the very loverly Ariellah, Need we say anything more?
Saturday both Jeannie and I had Compton classes all day. We enjoyed some old school tribal moves and gushed over Lauren. Then we headed back to the hotel to relax, get ready, order some food and perform in the show that night. Video coming soon :) The Saturday night show was awesome. I don't know that there was a bad performance in it. Joy opened up the show with a powerful solo that brought down the house, See it on our YouTube account. Compton performed twice, a dream! Sharon Kihara did a live performance to Lauren's didgeridoo playing. Its a testament to Lauren's playing that I could barely peel my eyes away from her didgeridoo/doumbek playing to glance at what Sharon was doing. No joke! The Mischevious Djinn girls from Minnesotta were freaking hilarious with their Marie Antoinette comedy number. Love it!
After much giggling all night Saturday, Sunday morning came much too fast! We headed downstairs for the final workshop of the weekend, Compton's Shashkin zill choreo. We LOVE this and have watched it over and over on my DVD of them! The staff at the hotel evidently enjoyed it too as at various points we would look through the glass doors to catch them dancing along. What can I say, Compton is infectious!
Holiday Halfla!!
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On December 13, Alchemy was honored to be invited to Warner Robbins by the fabulous Mary of GRITS Raqs for the annual holiday hafla and workshops. We had to rise early, as Mari and Jeannie were teaching the first workshop of the day. Alexxandra piled in and rode with us to perform solo. We caffienated ourselves at the first opportunity and headed out of town. After the boring parts of I-20, we got off of the highway and drove through a number of cute little small towns and through the country, but we were kind of happy to get into Warner-Robbins and back into civilization. Alchemy had the first workshop of the day, which was Mari and Jeannie's floorwork workshop. I could tell the students were really a good group to teach. I spent the time chatting with vendors and other dancers. There were some really cool peices that I had to force myself to not buy. We had a nice lunch there, and then Trish was kind enough to take us to her studio to change for the show. FYI--That studio is beautiful!!! We all kept pondering ways we could get one of those in Augusta!!!
The next item on our agenda was photos. We had booked a nice chunk of time with Brian, a photographer we worked with last year at the previous holiday hafla. Brian has a really good eye, especially for close-up work. And Brian also really makes it a fun experience. I was really happy when I saw the previews, especially since I usually have a really hard time posing in close-ups.
After this, we decided to go ahead to the venue, a Mexican restaurant. We decided the best thing to do would be to go ahead and eat before the show because we were later in the lineup. However, Jeannie received an emergency phone call from home, so we had to do some rearranging with our spot in the lineup so we could get back to Augusta. Mary was nice enough to work with us on that, so Alexx did her solo first and we did the Alchemy number second. So, we said our goodbyes rather quickly afterward, and rushed out and hit the road.
We were all really sorry that we couldn't stay longer... everyone showed us such hospitality and warmth. Our thanks especially to Mary and Trish, who were such kind hosts to us. It was a wonderful experience, and we love working with you ladies!
Due to mounting personal pressures and responsibilities Donna has decided to take a break from Alchemy. It was a hard choice for her, but we wish her the best in her endeavours.
Due to ethical and personal philosophy differences, Kristin is no longer a member of Alchemy.
These workshops and this show were amazing and Alchemy is so proud to have sponsored them.
Saturday, Bellydance Superstar, Moria worked us on Lower Body Emphasis and on Sunday it was Upper Body. This was the schedule:
Saturday -
*hour 1-conditioning
*hour 2-combinations and movement
*hour 3-choreography
*hour 4-costuming secrets for the stage.
Sunday-
*hour 1-conditioning
*hour 2-slow combinations and shape building
*hour 3-choreography
*hour 4-stage make-up theory and practice.
The workshops were held at the Augusta Ballet School studio on Walton Way. This location was perfect. It was close to downtown, but there was more parking. The floors were built for dancers, plus there were tons of mirrors, which Moria and some people prefer.
Afterwards, the show was held at the very cool Le Chat Noir in downtown Augusta. This theatre was a great find for us as well. The staff was very helpful and personable. The sound and lighting were perfect. There was a bar on site. But, the best part for many people was the comfortable and pre assigned seating. Unlike our previous shows, there were no worries about finding a seat, having to walk on people seated on the floor, or getting stepped on for that matter. :D Despite an advertising mixup, we had a full and supportive audience that thoroughly seemed to enjoy the show.
The show itself went smoothly and performers were punctual and professional to the core. The lineup was as follows.
Act I\n
\n- Maria of Delirium - mbargas@hotmail.com\n
\n- Tasma and Nasheeta of Savannah Winds - rmead@naturalsciencesacademy.org\n
\n- Natalie Brown of Delirium (with Amanda Button Bray) - www.alternacirque.com\n
\n- Alexandra and Jana of Firebelly - xmitchal@yahoo.com\n
\n- Jessie, Catherine and Maria of Delirium - http://www.alternacirque.com\n
\n- \nMoria Chappell - www.moriachappell.com\n
\nAct II
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\n\n- Delirium - http://www.alternacirque.com\n
- \nAlexxandra - www.alexxandradarktribal.com\n
- \nZondra - zmele@aol.com\n
- \nLauryn Peterson - www.zanzibarstudio.com\n
- \nAlchemy - www.alchemydance.com\n
- \nMoria Chappell - www.moriachappell.com
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\nCheck out our YouTube page for videos of the performances:http://www.youtube.com/user/AlchemyMEDance\n
Westobou Dance Series
\n \nThis was the first year in Augusta for the Westobou Festival. We were excited to work with the local dance community to participate in what we hope to be an annual event. Due to constraints on solo participants, we invited Alexx to join us in our performance. We did our series of drum solo inspired choreographies originally created for this summer's programs. The only other bellydance group that participated in this event was Savannah Winds. We enjoyed watching the other performers in this event ranging from ballroom dance to ballet to modern to lyrical. It was a wonderfully varied event capped off by the Slow Dance exhibit.For videos of our dance, check out our YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/AlchemyMEDan
ce
Arts in the Hearts 2008
\n \nThis year we performed for an hour and a half allowing us to invite old and new friends like Saidi Belles, Shoshanna, Maria, Taylor, Zondra, and Alexx to perform with us. The show order was:
- Alchemy doing Red Right Hand
- Taylor solo
- Alchemy's beginner class - Waady
- Alexx solo
- Donna and Kristin of Alchemy
- Maria of Delirium solo
- Alchemy's Drum Medley
- Shoshanna's Oriental lyrical solo
- Alchemy's intermediate class improv
- ShoShanna's solo
- Alchemy Improv
- Saidi Belles
- Zondra solo
- Alchemy's beginner and Intermediate class - Shashkin, a tribute to Hahbi'Ru
and though there were some difficulties with sound, with the help of the almighty Ipod, everything remained on track. For videos, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/AlchemyMEDance
Southern Fusion Fest 2008
\n \nI just had the perfect bellydance weekend. While that about sums up my experience at SFF this year, I want to tell you why, so that next year, you make sure that you are there to take part in this fantastic event.
First of all, what is Southern Fusion Fest? SFF is a new event that takes place in Athens, GA, sponsored by Southern Fusion Productions. This three-day festival of workshops, shows, and shopping began in 2007 in Atlanta, GA, but has now moved to a permanent home in Athens, and I think it’s a huge improvement; more on that later. With SFF, Fatina and Liora, the movers and shakers of Southern Fusion productions, offer something completely unique in the bellydance world: a festival that features Cabaret, Tribal and Master level tracks, allowing the attendees to pick and choose the classes that teach what they want to know.
So, you ask, why is that so great? Well, I’m here to tell you! Where else can you go and find classes that range from the incomparable Zafira’s Supah Saucy conveying their trademark high-energy Vaudeville style all the way to the venerated Tamalyn Dallal sharing secrets to Dancing Long Rhythms. From the feminine elegance of Tamara-Henna teaching the timeless spirit of Saidi to amazing strength, range and power of Moria Chappell teaching everything from Floorwork to Tunisian, Southern Fusion Fest is not only offering classes for those who want them, SFF is exposing entire communities to each other. The best way for us to build a better dance community is to see who’s living on the other side of the dance tracks, and you can do that at SFF. Cabaret dancers who’ve never known the fierce beauty of a Tribal grrl get a chance to chat with and get to know the women behind the facial markings. Fusion artists that have never set foot in a Cabaret class, get to see and appreciate the incredible strength beneath the delicate grace of the Cabaret dancer. We find that we all shop at the same vendors, we all love the same breathtaking shows, and at heart, we are all just dancers, without genre, definitions, or limits.
For those who are brave enough, you can blur the lines that we use to define bellydance styles and take the classes that interest you the most. Think of it like a big box of crayons: you have the deep, rich earth tones of Tribal, the bright, flashy colors of Folkloric, and the sparkly pastels of Cabaret. On their own, they are beautiful ranges exploring a style, but together, they paint a whole spectrum of complimentary shades. At SFF, you can pick up some new hues that will make your art pop. You may not decide that the communal Tribal life is for you, but you may just change your mind for the better about the women who dip their hips to the earth with their dance sisters. You may never don the gleaming bedlah and flowing skirts of Egyptian Cabaret, but you may find a new respect and reverence for the dancers that float across the stage, holding an entire audience in thrall all by themselves.
Using myself as an example, I can show why SFF really is the place to be if you want to become a well-rounded, educated dancer and you want to take classes with the best of the best in the bellydance world. I consider myself a Tribal Fusion dancer because I prefer dancing with a troupe (that’s the tribe in our Tribal) and I like to combine elements of theater and other dance styles into my bellydance (that’s the Fusion). My troupe does fully-choreographed shows as well as cue-based improvisational numbers, so we really get the best of all worlds. Because I identify as such, I’m in no way limited in the classes I take, so being at SFF, I was able to take classes in all tracks. However, everyone who attends SFF has the chance to see how the “other half” lives. You can take whatever classes you want! I took most of my classes in (GASP!) the Cabaret track.
Why? Am I defecting? Am I betraying my Tribal roots? No way! First of all, it’s not a betrayal in any sense; I’m exploring dance and movement, and I’m not so arrogant as to think that any dance is better than another or that anyone has all the answers, tricks, tips, and good ideas. Second, I never get to take these classes, and I want to take advantage of new concepts and movements whenever and wherever I get the chance. Third, the instructors were all just the best of the best, and I would be stupid to pass up the chance to study with someone who is really at the top of their game just because they don’t do the exact same kind of dance as I do. I mean, seriously, Tamalyn Dallal? She could have been teaching basic carpentry and I would have been there with my tool belt and nails! Even the classes that weren’t specifically dance were amazing; I can’t say enough good stuff about Cathy Jackson and her inspirational Yoga, without which I would never have gotten through the 26+ hours of dance instruction I took this weekend. I can honestly say that of the ELEVEN classes I took, I came out of each one excited and satisfied, saying “That was my favorite class!”
The classes sound great, don’t they? Well, you’re right, they are. Fatina and Liora have both danced in Cabaret and Tribal worlds, so they really know who to get for the festival. But, the classes are just one aspect of SFF. You get to see the instructors outside of the classroom as well. Maybe you run into Olivia of Zafira in the vendor area and you get to chat with her about the cool music she’s enjoying at the moment. Or, maybe it’s Moria before the show and she compliments you on your costuming just before you go onstage. It could be that you’re out getting a bite after the show and you run into two instructors that just blew you away onstage, and you end up laughing and joking on the sidewalk. It may even just be that you pass someone in the hallway at your hotel, and though you’re feeling too shy to say anything, you are overcome with excitement that you just saw Megha of Devyani and you run back to your room to tell your friends, in a frenzy that you get to take her class later that day. At Southern Fusion Fest, the instructors aren’t sequestered; they are available, shopping right next to you, or perusing the catered lunch. Pluck up the courage and give a smile or hello; if nothing else, you’ll get one back and have a story to tell when you get home.
Along with the great workshops, SFF features two shows. Friday’s show is a little smaller and the feel is less formal, being in a nightclub setting; but the dancers featured are in no way small or informal! It’s fun to kick back after your first day of workshops and have a meet-n-greet with other convention-goers, the local dance community, the instructors, and the staff of Southern Fusion Productions. Saturday’s show is a more formal stage show, featuring the instructors and a few additional guests, and has been really impressive both times I’ve been lucky enough to see it. When you have such great instructors, you’re bound to have a great show! I won’t go into details of the shows because we’d be here all day, but suffice it to say that you will be left with sore cheeks for all the smiling, stinging fingers from all the clapping and a glad heart from all the beautiful dancing.
So, I’ve talked about the classes, the instructors, and the shows. There are just a few more things I want to cover to demonstrate the brilliance of this fest. First, the vendors: Vendor’s Row was literally teeming with everything a dancer could want from the simplest bindi to the most elaborate Beledi dress, from kick-arse leather belts to three-finger carnelian rings. The selection was amazing, and the vendors were helpful and sincere, without trying to shove their stock down your throat. This year, there was a very talented henna artist available as well, and I was constantly jealous of the beautiful works of arts, both in traditional henna and glitter henna, adorning bodies throughout the weekend. Next time, I’m getting some glitter henna!!
The final point I want to mention is Athens itself. Last year, SFF was in Atlanta. While there are advantages to having a festival in a major metropolitan area (lots of hotels, mass transit and taxi availability, nearby airport, and the urban nightlife) there are also decided disadvantages (insane traffic, difficult navigation, tiring cross-town treks, and all the little things that come with being in a large, unfamiliar city). Sadly, the disadvantages outweighed the advantages for me last year, so the move to Athens was absolutely inspired. Everything, and I mean everything, was within walking distance: the hotel, the convention center where all vending, classes, and the Saturday show occurred, the nightclub that hosted the Friday show, lots of great places to shop and eat, nightlife, even convenience stores. The organic grocery was only a short mile away, so we were able to resist fast, processed food, and get really nourishing food for all the new muscles we were building. Being within walking distance meant not searching or paying for parking, and we could grab a coffee on the way if we needed it. The hotel was more like an apartment, which was perfect for the six women staying in our room, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The catering at the workshops and the Friday show was fantastic, provided by Dondero’s Kitchen. The Classic Center was impeccable: clean, well-maintained, and efficient with a staff that treated us all like we were their grandkids or sisters. It was really a nice change from the chilly reception you get at some festivals.
Speaking of chilly, I have to mention the one tiny complaint I had this year: the classrooms were very cold. So much so that I strained a calf muscle that seized up on the first day, in my first class, causing me to audit the rest of my classes for that day in an effort to be sure I could perform the next night. With some gentle stretching, Tylenol, sleep, planning and good sense, I got through the rest of the weekend just fine. Next year, could we turn up the thermostat just a tad? I wore a long-sleeved shirt during Moria’s entire Tunisian workshop, if that tells you anything! Ha!
I have to say, I’m hoping and praying that Fatina will continue this gorgeous event she has created for all of us to enjoy. I know how many commitments she has in her personal life, along with the responsibilities of running a troupe, teaching classes, performing, and just having a few moments to herself once in a while, so putting together and hosting SFF is a monumental task that she pulls off, with her army of students and volunteers along with her partner in crime, Liora. And, you know, I’ve never seen her without that beautiful smile on her face, though she might be too tired to eat, or running to put out all the little fires that come along with events like this, or teaching her own workshops at SFF. She always sincerely thanks everyone who attends, teaches, volunteers, dances, or just supports those of us who do, and ultimately, that is the heart and soul of SFF. There is a genuine desire to bring dancers together in one place to learn, laugh, dance and appreciate one another.
Do yourself a favor, get to Southern Fusion Fest. You’ll come away feeling refreshed, excited, and happy. You’ll meet new heroes and find wonderful new treasures. Most and best of all, you’ll make friends you wouldn’t at a single-discipline festival. I know I did!
BB!
~Jeannie
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- :satisfied
4th of July 2008: Riverblast
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This year 4th of July and July First Friday coincided on the same date.
We coordinated with Alex of http://www.alexxandradarktribal.com/
to do a quick improv number on Broad St. at the clock as part of First
Friday. Then, we headed out to the Cotton Exchange stage to dance
Riverblast.
All the students, beginner and otherwise, were there ready, dressed,
and all nervous about their performances. I love people being exposed
to first performances. Everyone looked exquisite and then... there
came the rain. Loads of it pouring down on us, soaking the stage,
causing the sound guy to have to place his equipment under cover.
We were very good sports and did improv to the cloud clapping in
the rain and then when the thunder started we had to call it a night.
Photos coming shortly in all our rain-soaked, makeup dripping, glory!
-Mari-
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