Best Dance Advice you have gotten?

On a local discussion group, the topic of "Best Advice and Lessons" came up--people started sharing some of the key lessons they have learned from their teachers over the years.

There are so many pieces of advice that I have received over the years, but I think the most important lessons weren't put into words, but put into practice and learned by example.


Like how on the technique side, some of my teachers and fellow dancers really taught me the value of "white space" in dance--that not everything needs to be go-go-go-go! That by having stillness offset the movement, we make the movement more dynamic. "Pregnant pauses" can be just as powerful as your biggest move. Aziza of Montreal is one great example of this to me (then again, she could just stand there and probably mesmerize an audience for about 15 minutes straight :)

Teaching vs. Simon Says

One of my newer students, the lovely Kelly, gave me some wonderful food-for-thought today via her blog. From her very first class, I could see Kelly was a thoughtful student--she asked excellent questions, and gave good feedback verbally and physically when spoken to. So it didn't surprise me when she later told me she was herself a teacher; she teaches yoga. While I have heard nightmare stories from other teacher's experiences, I have found that some of my best students are teachers. They know what it takes to teach, and what is expected in a student. They are respectful and attentive, and my favorites: punctual and ask perceptive questions!

I have been reading some of her older entries this morning, particularly her older entries talking about her time as an officer in the Air Force. I came across her post about the first time she taught yoga, and I thought you might enjoy her insightful reflections on what it means to be a teacher. Enjoy!

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for you.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for sisterhood. I am often reminded what a rare and precious gift I have in my dance family. Each is truly a unique and amazing woman, with enviable beauty and strength, inside and out. I love to dance with them, but I also love to simply be among them, talk, and laugh. They are a blessing to my heart and I love them each so dearly.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for computers. My computer is not only a tool for communication and creativity, it is a conduit to information and greater understanding of the world outside my front door, and far beyond my front door, via the internet. I love learning new things I can do with it, especially when it involves Photoshop, Illustrator, iMovie/Final Cut, or HTML/CSS/PHP; with which any small project can keep me entertained literally for days with just the sheer volume of amazing and exciting new things to absorb and experiment with.

(Hey, did you see my Programs for Dancers post earlier this year? If you are thankful for your computer, too, maybe you'd be interested in seeing some of my highlights! :)

A group improv lover's dilemma: debate?

An online friend, dear Leslie-Jean (Miss Boo, to those on tribe) remarked the other day on her Facebook status that she was exhausted by debates and discussions about ATS/tribal. And frankly, it is genuinely tiresome, and not for the faint of heart to leap into these topics of discussion in any medium. My latest was a discussion on one board about Tribal Fusion, and some misunderstanding that Rachel Brice does ATS. *le sigh*

When I pointed out that she doesn't in fact perform ATS, and has more cabaret background than anything else, and in fact calls herself dark cabaret now, I was directed to a video of RB and another dancer doing a very simple lead-follow at some party, using a few moves which one would identify as ATS. When I pointed out that it was not RB performing ATS, but an example of casually playing around with a fellow dancer improvisationally, the arguments came back that RB had taken private lessons with Carolena, and that those were "definitely ATS moves". This is one of those times I realized I really had to sit back and let it go. Because while that person was right--Rachel has done some studying with Carolena (after she had already been dancing the style she is known for because, as she said, she wanted to be able to back up the "tribal" in the "tribal fusion" label she had been stuck with), and those moves are used in ATS vocabulary, it wasn't an example of Rachel "performing ATS". And if I tried to go into any depth explaining why, I might just frustrate and anger the person who made the misinformed assertion in the first place. And in the end, I would come out being attacked for my attempt to educate, be stuck with some of the usual "you're just trying to shut other people out" bull, when all I was trying to do was help disseminate some facts about what is and is not ATS/group improvisational bellydance. But here is what I would have written:

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for my students. They have no idea how proud I am of them every second (I can say it every day, but they can't know how deeply in my heart I mean it!), and how honored I am to help guide them on their dance journey. I know "dance journey" sounds like a lot of hippie-hooey to those who aren't into dance, but I can tell you, it is a very accurate visual for what it means to be moving through this world with dance as one of your vehicles of motion. Thanks to all of you who have put your trust in me as your teacher and mentor, be it in weekly classes, in workshops, or even in reading this blog. It means the world to me to share in this with you all every day.

A student's epiphany...

I have students who drive quite a distance to study with me--a fact I find speaks more to their dedication to the dance than any special skill I have in my teaching bag of tricks. A handful drive as much as an hour and a half to come to class every week, and I just want to squeeze the bejeezus out of them for their commitment and enthusiasm! Kat is one such student, and is even more remarkable than most. Not only does she drive so far (often alone now that some of her friends she used to commute with have conflicts and can't come to class each week any longer); but she has overcome some incredible struggles with her health as well, culminating in a kidney transplant about a year ago, from which she is recovering beautifully and is healthier and stronger than ever, I am pleased to report! Combined with many dance and life commitments in her own town, I don't get to see her as often as I used to, which is our loss. Kat has an incredible energy that everyone in the room can feel--to meet Kat is to love her, truly--always with a smile, a positive word, a hug, a laugh.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for the rain. Yes, rain, even you I am thankful for. They grey days can sometimes get me down, but at the same time, I am grateful for the water that makes things so beautifully green in my city. And I adore the sights, sounds, and smells of the rain! Oh yes, especially that crisp, clean smell. I love the sound of heavy rain pelting its rugged pitter-pat on the roof; and a storm...! Don't even get me started, when the thunder and lightning arrive. It's rare enough around here that I become a giddy kid, lighting candles and sitting by the window watching in fascination. Yes, rain, we have a love/hate. Today, I express my thanks for you.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for my mind. Another thing we take for granted: our ability to process information, to parse data, to analyze details, to visualize, to question, to imagine. I feel like I got lucky, and got the best of both my parents: my mother's powerfully creative and artistic right brain, and my father's extraordinary logical and analytical left brain. I am not as strong as either of them in these areas, but instead have a respectable balance between them, which I am proud of, and feel blessed to be a combination of their strengths.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for friends who make me laugh on a grumpy day. Friends who listen, and who tell great stories. Who care about what's going on in your life, and are open about their own experiences. Friends who make you go home with a smile and say "Today was a good day!" when you were pretty sure a distinctly opposite report would have been delivered without their presence.

Alternative drill music

What are your favorite alternative tunes for class drills? Let's exchange some ideas for fun music which gets you moving and breaks you out of the usual!

Right now, I am loving:

Fast drills: "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk, "Tickle It" and "Shake Ya Boogie" by Mocean Worker, and "Blues for Brother George Jackson" from the Verve Remixed album (which has some great slow breaks in it to play with).

Slow: "Feels Just Like It Should" by Jamiroquai and "Call it Stormy Monday" by BB King feat. Albert Collins.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for variety. I live in a city (and in a country) that has such variety available to us--in art, in cuisine, in fashion, in entertainment, you name it! There truly is something for everyone. I am so grateful for the simple pleasure of choice.

CLASS NEWSLETTER: Thanksgiving, Winterfest performance, and more!

Hello all! Here is the November Newsletter:

NO CLASS NEXT WEEK, THANKSGIVING WEEK
That goes for Monday and Thursday. Have a great Turkey Day!


WINTERFEST DECEMBER 5th
Note to all Level 2 and 3 dancers who might be interested: Winterfest is coming! Are you interested in performing at Winterfest this year? Get in touch with me right away! We need to work out a rehearsal time for everyone to put the show together. (Right now, it will likely be the Wednesday before the performance, December 2nd, likely from 7pm-9pm. Does that jive?)

Winterfest is an annual tradition for Nomaditude, our student troupe dancers. This year they have invited experienced students who would like to be a part of the fun! No performance experience necessary, but you must be level 2 or 3 to take part. If you are interested, e-mail me right away to get on the planning mailing list for more information.

STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER
I am re-compiling the student resource center,and would like your input!

Merce Cunningham quote

"You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive. It is not for unsteady souls."
~ Merce Cunningham

Q&A: I'm not progressing like I thought I would...

Q."I took ATS from another local teacher for 6 months, and have been taking cabaret for about 2.5 years from Teacher X and Teacher Y, and also had workshops with Zoe, Rachel Brice, Ariellah, Suhaila Salimpour, and Caroleena (sic) in San Francisco. Though you would not believe it from watching me. I took a hiatus since feeling that I wasn't where I should be after 3 years. But I love bellydance, so I have turned to you because I have always been wowed by your troupes performances and thought it would be so great to be a part of that."

A. With regard to your frustrations with where you think you should be at any given time in your dance, we all hit plateaus in our dance life, and maybe you have been stuck at one for a time. Shaking things up can help push us through those barriers. If I may offer some perspective from my experiences? Truthfully, focusing on one style that really resonates with you can be a big help in seeing marked improvement over time. 

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for a career that allows me so much freedom and opportunity to be creative in my life. Sometimes I feel I squander the time I am given, but I am always humbly grateful for the charmed life I have been given through dance, and and of course my loving husband who supports me in my endeavors.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for sunshine! The way I bounce out of bed on a sunny day, ready to take on the world...no doubt I am solar powered! And today it makes the fall leaves just sparkle. Soooo beautiful!

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for music. I have music playing most of the time in my world, whether I am home working on computer tasks, or at work (class or performing) dancing to it. I am grateful I have two ears to hear it with, and a mind and heart which appreciates it on so many levels. It can pick me up and drive me forward, help me relax, set the mood for a party with friends, or be the reason for the party (Rock Band!).

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for quiet mornings, drinking tea and reading, with warm puppies underfoot.

On being an artist: Your Artist Workout

From http://clicks.robertgenn.com/personal-trainer.php

Advice to artists from a personal trainer, taking skills from workout training and applying them to being an artist:

• Find a sanctuary where you can comfortably work.
• Dedicate at least two hours a day to your art.
• Have more than enough equipment and supplies.
• Set short- and long-term goals and keep track of progress.
• Think of your work as exercise, not championship play.
• Explore series development and exhaust personal themes.
• Work alone with the benefit of books and perhaps tapes.
• Replace passive consumption with creative production.
• Use your own intuition and master your technology.
• Feel the joy of personal, self-generated sweat.
• Fall in love with your own working processes.
• Be forever on the lookout for the advent of style.
• Try to be your own person and claim your rights.
• Don't bother setting yourself up for rejection.
• Don't swing too wildly and damage the well-being of others.
• Don't jump into the ring until you're feeling fit.

Daily Thanks

Today I am grateful for things we largely take for granted, like running water, electricity, food and warm shelter. It is ridiculously easy to forget what a large population of our world does not enjoy these luxuries, and I am grateful to live as I do with my most basic needs met.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for the smell of incense and candles in my house. I feel restful when those sights and smells intermingle. Even better when I come home from teaching, and Chris has pre-lit both in the living room to welcome me home, and cracked the front door a little so I can smell it when I come up the walk.

Daily Thanks

Today I am thankful for my physical therapists, who care about me, encourage me, and leave me sore in all the right places on my road to improving my body's health and awareness.

A month of thankfulness

Okay, late on the stick by 10 days, but a Facebook meme is going around that I really like, and would like to do here on my blog. Would you like to join me? Then blog, Tweet, Facebook, LiveJournal, or however!

"Every day this month until Thanksgiving, think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it as your status. "Today I am thankful for..." The longer you do it, the harder it gets! Now if you think you can do it then repost this message as your status to invite others to take the challenge, then post what YOU are thankful for today.

Kicking it off:
Today I am grateful for my husband. I love our relationship of communication, trust, and laughter. I have never felt so safe, and so positively motivated to be a better person in my life. He's worthy.

The importance of chorus

I was perusing some very old tribe topics of discussion (and enjoying it immensely I might add--tribe is like an archive of the evolution of tribal bellydance in so many ways), and came across a thread about chorus. Specifically about students who don't "get" the idea of chorus, and feel "left out" if they are "stuck" in chorus a lot and aren't in the "spotlight".

Molly had this astute observation to share:

I think it's pretty hard for a lot of dancers to let go of the idea that if you aren't the soloist or feature, you aren't important. Our culture really seems to value the individual genius over the group a lot of the time, but the truth is that chorus members can make or break any performance - just look at opera. If the chorus isn't on and supporting the lead vocalists, the whole thing falls flat. Same with ATS. When the chorus is energetic and their movements and attitudes support the featured dancers without distracting from them, it's so much fun for the audience to watch. And it's great when you are in a duet/trio/solo to see the smiling faces of your fellow dancers every time you go into a turning move. It keeps up the energy of the group as a whole when everyone is tuned in and supporting one another in turn. Even with the most unresponsive audiences, you know you have someone behind you who's into your dancing and appreciates it. Encourage them to look at the chorus as a unique time to appreciate what their fellow dancers are presenting - I mean, in how many other styles do you get to stay involved onstage and watch what's going on? It's a nice little mental and physical break to re-center without breaking your connection to the group. At least that's how I see it.

Class Newsletter: New session tonight!

TONIGHT!
The next new session of Tribal Bellydance with Sharon Moore begins tonight at 7:30pm.

First it's Level 1 Foundations!
Get your groove on learning the movements which comprise the basis of tribal bellydance. Feel stronger, more flexible, and have FUN! If you haven't registered yet, never fear, there is room! Or register online right now at http://www.mandalatribal.com/classes/register

Then at 8:30pm it's Level 2b - Skills n' Drills!
This session topic is open to *all levels*, but it is recommended that you have taken at least a few sessions of Level 1 and/or are familiar with basic bellydance concepts.

~ This session's Skills n' Drills special topic is Creative Combos with Finger Cymbals!
Inspired by my recent intensive study with Jamila Salimpour - one of the Mothers of American Bellydance as we know it - I will be sharing with you various combinations of movement paired with finger cymbals patterns. We'll start with some deep muscle isolation drills to get our hearts pumping, then each class we will dig into a couple different finger cymbal patterns, a couple movements and variations, and then pair them together into a combination we can dance together. Each week will build in complexity as we increase our confidence with finger cymbals while dancing. Bring your finger cymbals and be ready for a fun, challenging workout.

~ Don't worry if you don't have a lot of finger cymbal experience!
We will be breaking the skills down piece by piece, and each dancer can work at their own comfort level. I definitely recommend this class for dancers of all skill levels and styles to add some new movement and rhythm skills to their repertoire.

Quick and Easy Baby Hat (Now in the Round!)

Here is a simple baby hat pattern I adapted from Emma Waller's Quick & Easy Baby Hat. Hers is done flat and then seamed up the side, and I wanted to do mine in the round. So I adapted her pattern for circular knitting.

I love the spiral decreases at the top, and think it comes out a bit more polished done in the round than with a stitched seam up one side. For my knitting friends, enjoy! I hope to adapt this pattern for an adult this winter!


Quick & Easy Baby Hat
NOW IN THE ROUND!!

NEEDLES:Size 4 DPN's

YARN: I used Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, a washable wool blend that is very soft and comes in a bazillion colors. Great for kid knits.

Tribal Bellydance in Seattle, classes begin TONIGHT!

Tribal Belly Dance Classes in Seattle
with Sharon "Shay" Moore!

NEW SIX WEEK SESSIONS BEGIN:
Monday November 2nd
Thursday November 5th

Phinney Neighborhood Center
6532 Phinney Ave N Room 7

http://www.seattletribal.com/classes

Click on "Schedule" at the left to learn more about times, directions, and more.

See you in class!
-Sharon
http://www.seattletribal.com


ABOUT CLASSES

Seattle Tribal Bellydance classes are a dynamic blend of ancient dance with modern, funky stylizations. Teacher Shay Moore is the only dancer in the world to have achieved upper level certifications in both FatChanceBellyDance and Gypsy Caravan teaching styles, as well as trained in Jamila Salimpour Level 1 technique; providing her students a uniquely well-rounded dance learning experience. Her attentive and nurturing teaching style makes even the most difficult dance skills accessible for students of all levels, and makes having fun an equal priority to developing strong dance technique. Her joy of teaching was celebrated with her nomination for Teacher of the Year in 2007 in the peoples choice awards in Zaghareet Magazine.

It's November 1st, so we can talk Christmas...

For some reason, this quoted section below made me think of a lot of people I know in the dance community. I seem to run into a lot of what I would term "overly generous" souls in the dance community. That sounds wrong, doesn't it? How can one be overly generous? I define it as when people are not firm about their boundaries and limits, and as such their lives are partially or largely made up of people who use them up emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I think this is a common trait among artists. A big chunk of us are givers and nurturers! We like to communicate and share on so many levels, and to hold back feels counter to our soul's urgings.