The Booty Whisperer

Every dance teacher has her specialty: some are very good at making students feel very good; some are masters of discipline and help us strive for perfection; others offer insight into timing and rhythm, and so forth. Since I frequently teach beginners and often sub for other local teachers, I particularly specialize in breaking down basic steps into component parts. I like to take a foundational, "toolbox" step and examine where the feet should be, how the knees bend, where one hip is in relation to the other and how the spine responds. The happy coincidence is that when I encounter more experienced dancers, they may not learn anything new per se, but it's a great tune-up. I'm lazy myself, and teaching beginners forces me to tighten up my technique and show what it should look like in its ideal state. I suspect that intermediate and advanced dancers experience a sort of drifting effect - do a step long enough and the feet no longer point perfectly forward, the hands end up at half-mast instead of majestically high in the air.

Tonight I had the pleasure of subbing for Tahja. While she's enjoying some fresh mountain air, I've managed her Wednesday night classes for about three weeks, and I worked with students who've been at it for several months to two years or more. Walking shimmy (indeed, any shimmy) is usually a challenge, and to their credit the students wanted to conquer it. Doing hard things is hard. It's more fun to do what's familiar and easy, so I really celebrate the dancers who want to work on that which is less pleasant. So, we shimmied. We started slow and went fast, we shifted weight from one foot to another, we counted, we walked. Every dancer eventually finds her own shimmy, but I have some techniques that usually manage it for most people. Aaaaand . . . around 7:30 tonight, two struggling students had shimmy breakthroughs. Swish swish went the coins, and their faces lit up brighter than any sequins. So, that's my deal. I fix shimmies. I am     . . . 

The Booty Whisperer. If your shimmy's broken or has gone into hiding, get in touch. Email me here for details, or come to class on Saturdays at 10 at Dance Artistry.

Class playlist

Hi! This week we will be starting a basic choreography to help you practice steps and transitions at home and in class. This choreography is longer than you may be used to, but it's easy and fun and full of some of my favorite steps and combinations. Getting the music is easy: visit iTunes and make sure to click the Ping link. You will have to "follow" me to be able to access my playlists, but that's simple enough. Once you're all set with Ping, search for "alyssa's class mix" and you can download all the songs you'll need for the class for just $12.87. All the artists get proper credit and royalties - it's vitally important to make sure the artists who provide us with the music we love are able to support themselves. See you in class!

Time to party!

Summer is here, and that can only mean one thing: Omaris and Angelina are throwing their annual Harem Hafla Anniversary Toga Party on July 25th at Mythos in Clearwater. Cover charge is $8, which buys you a seat at a table or the bar (make some reservations - this is a very popular event) and all the spectacular local belly dance you could want, plus shopping: hip scarves, finger cymbals, music CDs, and beautiful handmade jewelry by yours truly. If you're hungry for more, pun intended, have a delicious dinner and a good glass of wine. Or two. See you there!

At last!

GET YOUR ZAGHAREET ON HERE!!!! Finally, classes are starting again. Dance Artistry, at 999 Cattlemen Road, is ready to welcome belly dancers to their wonderful studio. Home to many talented dancers of all styles, Dance Artistry has two large studios with excellent floors, a lobby area with wireless internet, and a great sound system ready for Arabic beats.

When's class? You decide. I can take a slot at Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., or Saturday mornings at 10. I'm happy with either . . . or both, if the class fills to overflowing! We start the first week in May, and fees are a very reasonable $40 per month or $100 for a three-month package, which saves you $20 - just enough for a new pair of zills or a new veil. Email me and let me know which time you'd prefer, and I'll announce our time slot when the people have spoken.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Rakstar!

I would be remiss, dance enthusiasts, if I did not post about the astounding offerings coming this fall to Miami. It's a drive, I know, but some things are worth it:
Rakstar 2011 with Yousry Sharif and Virginia! It's not too early to start planning. In fact, I recommend it - this series of workshops and shows sells out quick. More info to come!

Anniversary party!

Greetings! Last month's Harem Hafla, put on by Angelina and Omaris of Hipnotic Movements, was so inspiring I'm actually dusting off my sequins for the second time in three (gasp!) months and I have been granted a spot in this month's lineup. So yes, I'll be dancing at the 3rd Anniversary Party of the Harem Hafla at Mythos in Clearwater on July 27th. We've got a table for eight at 7 p.m. - who's in?

FIELD TRIP!

The lovely Angelina and Omaris, our sisters to the north, put on a hafla the last Wednesday of every month at Mythos Taverna in Clearwater. Time for a field trip! We'll see professionals as well as dedicated amateurs, eat yummy Greek delicacies and shop the glitter at the bazaar tables. Cover charge is $5 per person, and a reserved table is an absolute must because this show sells out every time. Dinner is at 7 and the show is at 8, so we should plan to leave Sarasota for Clearwater around 5: 30 pr 5:45 on Wednesday the 29th. I'm driving - who's in? Let me know if you're coming and I'll reserve a table just for us. See you in class!