ZOETROPE!

Hopefully I will have time to post a blog about all of the happenings of the past few months soon... it's been a wild ride.

My father in law unfortunately passed away two weeks ago and life has been turned upside and flipped inside out since. The Zoetrope performance was dedicated to him.

Enjoy two slightly different versions of the same set. Be well,

Elevation.

Despite the many personal things going on at the same time... Elevation was a blast.

I may say that this was the smoothest this festival has ever ran, from my viewpoint... everything seemingly fell into place. The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone just had a good time enjoying each others company, the beautiful Colorado weather and of course all of the dance classes. The Golden Rec Center is drop dead gorgeous; beautiful floors, many windows allowing the sunshine to stream in and with a view of the foothills. How could you not smile every once in a while at the beauty of it all?

Dian and myself trying in vain to pull ourselves up off the floor after one of Rachel Brice's workshops.

Upside down me.

The TribalTique Denver girls tend to become zombies for at least a second during each performance, poor Jennifer was the victim this year.

Posing pretty with Gwyn and Kat.

Before the Gala Show at the Buffalo Rose.

Shopping at the local Paris Street Market

Paris Street Market with Molly

Much needed rain helped close out the end of Elevation.

Hospital socks and ankle chains... sexy, no?

 This next weekend Ryan and I head to Portland, OR and then we will work our way down to Sebastopol, CA for Tribal Fest 12!

If you're in Colorado in June, I'll be performing at ZOETROPE!

It's shaping up to be a fun summer!

Inspiration

Cues and Tattoos 2012

I love this festival, I can't wait for next year already. :)

Cultivation

This intensive was definitely a step up from Initiation. I can't tell you how amazing it was to be a challenged; physically, mentally and at times emotionally. If you've been taking belly dance for at least a year and can't stop thinking about it go take Rachel Brice's 8 Elements Phase 1 Initiation. It is the most beautiful thing to be completely immersed in this dance with other like minded individuals. It's probably the best thing I've ever done for myself. Portland doesn't suck either, picture proof of this below.

Being from dry dry dry Colorado, seeing all of the color in Portland fills my heart.

The view from our rented walkup.
(if you need a cheaper place to stay check out airbnb.com or couchsurfers)

Molly and I at lunch after the first morning of the intensive.

The chai's here are good... real good. I went there more times that I probably should have.

Oatmeal Blueberry Chai Pancake at Jam on Hawthorne.

The dance section at Powell's books. I love it so...

Trying on adornment pieces at julia barbee's shop.

Mat trying all the sparklies on as well.

Our delicious dinner at Little Bird.

It's all about the chai.

More Portland color seeping into my veins.

The beautiful lily bouquet at Datura.

Voodoo Doughnuts!

Datura classroom entrance... gotta love those shawls.

On the inside looking out...

Studying at heart. Bit of an inside joke...

My last day in Portland... taking a morning stroll.

Began decompressing and planning with a chai at heart of course.

Walked by the studio one last time.

Saw this beauty on the way home.

Molly and I at the Cultivation Hafla.

Our class. So many good memories. So many beautiful women.

Let's go.

The past two months of teaching...

...have been so rewarding. Watching the participating dancers grow and push themselves, making it to class after being sick, family issues, job issues and the ensuing lack of sleep. I'm so completely proud of each and every single one of them. One lovely lady posted her experience, making me tear up.

Yesterday I taught a choreography workshop after the Boot Camp class. The girls rocked it, took it and made it their own, and most importantly they let go of themselves and had fun. It showed in their faces.

GrayFires and myself running the choreography.

I've started my own facebook page, for students to keep updated on classes and also anyone who's interested in following my work, feel free to like if it suits you, and by all means subscribe to my youtube channel as well.

I started packing for Portland/ Cultivation tonight... the cats are determined that they will go with.

Inspiration

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.