Middle Eastern dance workshops are not easy, mind you, but there is a sense of familiarity with them. I know how to shimmy, hip drop, and so on. I’ve been to enough that I know how my body handles them. Ballet workshops were completely foreign to me. However, I figure why not try one out? [...]

A few days ago, one of the search terms that led someone here was “why is muscle memory important.” The search term led me to think about why is muscle memory important. Many commonplace things we do are a result of muscle memory. Typing, walking, etc. Imagine if you had to make a very conscious [...]

Disclaimer: I received this DVD as part of a give-away on Bhuz from Michelle Joyce, the producer. I was excited to receive Icing on the Drum Solo for free and early, because I am a huge fan of Lotus Niraja (and we’re both from the same area). This DVD offers much more than drum solo [...]

When Meiver was traveling, I started YouTube account for the Middle Eastern dance intensive class for us to use as a group to watch the choreography and have reference. I got the idea from my Bharatanatyam class; the director of the school has beautiful video of her performing some of the pieces, while telling us [...]

I realized today that my summer will largely be themed by dance. Working through the intensive dance practices has taught me some critical things. Namely, I need to practice. Learning choreography is not my strong suit; I haven’t had to memorize a choreography in a really long time (years), and my choreography experiences have been [...]

Yesterday, I took the plunge and committed myself to Meiver of Boston’s intensive repertory class. She has been advertising it for a bit, but I had let time slip and then thought I wouldn’t have the time or money. Thanks to Facebook and friends’ participation (gotta love indirect peer pressure), as well as admiring Meiver’s [...]

I’ve been working with the music for my kinda choreography. One of the best things about Middle Eastern music is you’re supposed to let it tell you what to do. Unfortunately, right now, I hear “arms” at the beginning, “open Egyptians” (it’s a move) for the bulk of the song, and hip drops for the [...]

Despite my hectic week, I did indeed manage to sift through all my dance music (over 1000 songs) and pick something suitable. I was initially going to pick something very slow, but I found a mix of “Move Your Belly” on the “Belly Dancer’s Odyssey” CD. If you are unfamiliar with the song, here’s a [...]

I know prop work isn’t that end all, be all of Middle Eastern dance. However, tonight after watching several clips of veil, zills, etc., I realized I should be able to do some kind of choreography with veil, zills, or cane. I’ve studied each one pretty rigorous for at least a year. I know how [...]

As part of a “homework” assignment from Danielle, she had me attempt to choreograph something. By talking to her, I have solidified more ideas of what choreography can be, like what you can do with it. I’m curious what people prefer when they see a dance. A dance in general, not just Middle Eastern dance. [...]