Your Reflection - Guest Post by Carmen Bellotti

Welcome back! Glad to see you again.

I want to talk about a common thought in all student’s minds – “These moves don’t look the same on me as they do on _________. I will never be able to dance like ________ does”. Comparison happens all the time in the classroom and is a self-defeating thought to have, especially when you are just beginning. No matter how effortless a move may look, others are still working to improve upon it. I write this blog as a way to motivate and inspire you to continue down your path, and not to let those negative thoughts hinder or stop your growth.

The key is to focus only on yourself, which I know is easier said than done. I was guilty of mirror watching others in my baby dancer days. I remember many times I left class frustrated after spending most of my time staring at my classmates. Why didn’t I look like them? I didn’t think it possible for me to have the control and flow that the other dancers did. I tried to force my body to move like the others but to no avail. However, once my sights were focused on MY path and MY progress I finally became the dancer I had envisioned. Try to look only to you during class and when learning or relearning a concept, find one thing to praise about your growth. It could be as big as finally mastering a concept or simply feeling stronger in your posture. Both are great milestones and you should be proud of your progress no matter how small of a step it may seem.

Many think once you have a concept, you are done learning – WRONG. I remember feeling so discouraged when I began advanced classes and saw how far behind I was all the other students in the room. At this point I did not have a shimmy and wanted nothing more than to have the others' perfectly timed hips. What I realized soon after was that they all too were still working on their technique. Refinements can be made to any and all movements, and without consistent practice we cannot maintain our technique.

Writing this makes me recall a moment I hold onto from my Bohemian days (Ed. - the troupe Carmen performed with in CO). We were preparing for a performance when after a run through my troupe-mate, Suzie, said “There is always an aspect of failure in my dance”. I turned to her and said “That just means there is room for growth”. Growth is growth – all of it equal in weight. Acknowledge it and praise yourself for your accomplishments.

So don’t worry about the others in the mirror, they are not you! Keep working on your path and soon enough you will be the dancer of your dreams. All of you have the ability to be great but you must be
patient. This is a long journey but know that around the bend lies another milestone. Remember to not
get discouraged by the beautiful people around you, and stay focused on your reflection. In due time, I know you will accomplish all of your goals.

What I mean when I say "Good!"

Anyone who has been in my classes for any length of time is very familiar with a common exclamation I make during drills or at the end of class: "Good! Really good job, guys!"

I say it so much, perhaps it has seemed to lose its meaning. I wonder sometimes if students think I just say it to "be nice" or as a wrote form of encouragement, which is not actually a reflection of what I think is capital G "Good".  But if one pays close attention, you will see that while it is true I say it often, I don't say it every time, and that I do in fact use it only when I think it is warranted.  So let me explain what I mean (and don't mean) when I say "Good!"

Good is not a reflection of perfection. I don't say "Good" because everyone has gotten all the details perfectly right. Good is a combination of factors I see displayed, such as:

• posture
• confidence
• doing the right thing even if it's not quite "there" yet
• error recovery
• smiles
• gaze
• awareness
• joy

All of these things, individually and in combination, are strong and important steps in your growth in the dance. When I tell you what you have done is good, I am telling you that you are on the right path, that you are progressing in the way I hope for you to progress, that you are demonstrating improvement in the skills I am trying to push you toward improving.  Good really DOES mean GOOD!

So rest assured, students, that I am not just blowing smoke and rainbows around when I say encouraging things frequently. It is because you are so frequently meeting or exceeding my expectations, it warrants a verbal pat on the back to let you know you are on track and that I see your efforts paying off. Trust in the word "Good"--when it comes from me, it's for real!

Inner Child, Meet Outer Adult. Now Dance!

As children, it is so natural for us to run and jump and climb and tumble and spin.  We are always in motion, from the time we are born squirming and wiggling, to when we first crawl (and boy do we get fast at that!), to when we walk and then run. Then there's no stopping us!  What we didn't understand when we're little, we now know--movement is a way we explore ourselves and our world. We are testing out boundaries, experiencing new sensation, developing new proficiencies, learning where our balance is, where our strengths are, exploring lightness and motion and feeling, connecting with others...movement is all these things when we are growing up.

For me, dance as an adult is still all these things. I get to do it all on a more conscious level, but just as I was as a child, I am still learning about myself and the world around me through experimenting with new movement.  I challenge my limits, learn new skills, gain strength, connect with others, try and fail and try again, I laugh and cry, and ultimately find my balance.  Through dance I get to return to my childish ways, but through a new medium which honors who I am as a grown up at the same time.

For me, bellydance in particular nurtures the child and the woman, both, in me.

As a teacher I see it unfold--I get to tell adults "Just try it! Play! Mess up, it's okay!"  How often are we told this in our adult life? 

In every facet of our adult lives, the sentiment is constantly reinforced that being an adult is all about meeting expectations, avoiding mistakes, doing everything "right" or face shame or consequences. In dance class, this is one time we can struggle with new ideas again and again, and we are not only encouraged and supported in it, we have fun with it!!  We are told we have our own path to walk, and ultimately we don't have to conform to someone else's pace or vision. And simultaneously we are learning so much about our body mechanics, and our relationship to others both spatially and emotionally.  We learn about accountability and commitment, and experience the divine exhaustion of good physical work.  We get to be a kid again, and yet learn so much about ourselves as a mature adult. Worth every penny, worth every minute...

From a series of quotes where people are talking about their experiences working with Walt Disney:

“The thing that was extraordinary about all the people (who worked with Walt Disney) was that they embraced failure. Within those walls there was constantly the reminder that it’s OK to fail, that it was OK to be human, that it was OK to experiment, because that’s how you blossom as a student.” — Andrea Favilli, Imagineer and sculptor (2001)

Watching and Learning in the Dance Studio

The "Taking Correction" portion of this anonymous handout has been making the rounds on Facebook. I wanted to share it in its entirety, because the entire thing is just so awesome. Enjoy!

WATCHING & LEARNING IN THE DANCE STUDIO

Watching your fellow dancers

Technique, timing, corrections, there is so much going through your mind; it's so much to take in!

Stop and look at the OTHER dancers in your class. Taking note of what is happening around you can actually help you learn and improve yourself.

Class Ettiquette "Rules"

I found these class ettiquette rules for another instructor's class online, and found it interesting to say the least. Give it a read. I wonder what you think...

DANCE CLASS ETIQUETTE by [name removed]

These rules are not only for studio dance class use but also for workshops and classes around the world. These rules are innate to all dance forms. Rules are expected in mainstream dance where teachers demand and get respect. Furthermore all students benefit by dance classroom protocol.

1. Show respect for the teacher.
In Eastern disciplines such as martial arts and yoga, the teacher is revered, worshipped, and given great loyalty and respect. Teachers have worked long and hard and made many sacrifices to master their arts. Many have dedicated their lives to dance.

2. Be on time.
There is no excuse for being late. It disrupts other students and the teacher when someone arrives 10 minutes late. You forego essential warm up stretches. Try to be there early if possible. Also try not to miss classes as this also disrupts the flow of the work and leaves you missing work. Which means things have to be repeated.


3. Position yourself relative to your dance expertise.
European dance students begin their studies at the back and earn their position in the front. If you feel confident that you will catch on quickly and perform movements accurately, try to get a position up front. However, if you are a beginning student or do not grab the moves quickly then stay to the back of the room where you will have more advanced students to follow.

4. Wear Suitable Attire.
Do not wear costuming to class. This is very inappropriate. Beginner students have a tendency to do this. Save your sequins, etc., for performances. Costumes are made to perform in not take class in. Check to see what is appropriate for your style of dance class.

5. Keep Talking and Giggling to a Minimum.
Part of the fun of dance class is the interaction with others but there are limits. Don’t chat incessantly. Keep your attention focused on the teacher. If you have a question ask the teacher.

6. Avoid Being a Know It All.
By all means never openly challenge a teacher’s expertise.

7. Take Notes When Sitting Out.
Do not wander in and out of the class space while a teacher is teaching. If for some reason you cannot continue, quietly apologize and go the side. Take notes. Do not talk! Do not shop! If you go back to participating in the class go to the back and quietly resume.

8. Let the teacher teach.
You should under no circumstances voice an opinion in a class. Try to focus on how this teacher can expand your dance horizons. Do not compare openly to other teachers. Do not complain about how a movement is presented or that it is too difficult or too easy.

9. Pay Attention.
Whether it be a demonstration or a verbal instruction. You are paying for a class and so are others. Make sure you and others get their money’s worth. In addition you will benefit in the long run. Be a good participator and a good sport. You are in class to learn and to be taught.


10. Be Open Minded.
You will benefit by learning all you can about the given subject.

So what do you think? Do these look like "universal class rules" to you? Is this what every dance classroom should look like? Why or why not?

Snow Day Hot Toddy

Here in Seattle, we are under the spell of snow.  That is my back yard from yesterday, and it is now over 2". *sigh* I love you, snow...

Snow is fairly rare here in the greater Puget Sound Area (that's Seattle and surrounding areas north, south, and east, for those not In The Know), and it creates a love-hate relationship with the fluffy white stuff.  You see, our snow is wet, heavy, slick, and icy, and it lands on one of the hillier cities in the US--the city becomes a giant winter slip n' slide!  We also have a melt/freeze cycle, such that the snow melts a bit, then freezes into sheets of ice, onto which more snow falls, making a slurry of slushy, icy, dangerous conditions.  Add that to a populace who never learns how to drive confidently in those conditions since it happens so infrequently, and it gets downright scary out there!

So snow day is a very real phenomenon around these parts.  When it snows, we get to stay home.  Well "get" also is a misnomer, since for some that means lost wages.  But if you can afford an extra day off, or can get a little work done from home, then snow days really are a treat!  You get to hang out in a snow globe and watch the landscape become a glistening blanket of white.

Since these conditions means class is canceled, I thought I would share a special drink recipe to enjoy at home tonight.  For a non-ginger version, you can just use a dash of sugar or simple syrup in the traditional hot toddy recipe.  But the ginger just seems so decadent!  (I also recommend Yazi, which is a ginger-infused vodka which we always keep around the house. The bottle is gorgeous, and the vodka delectable.  Makes a great spike for many drink recipes to make it extra special.)

I hope everyone is warm and safe tonight. Happy snow day!

New Year Tuition Changes

I want to let my weekly students know that class prices are going up in 2012 to reflect market-rate pricing for our area.  Drop-ins will now be $15 per class; pre-registration will continue to be equivalent to getting six classes for the price of five at $75 per session. This is the first raise in class prices I have instituted since 2005, despite my rent and expenses going up each year.

My goal is to always provide the very best instruction at accessible prices, as I want everyone who wants to dance to be able to afford it!  I have strongly resisted raising prices, specifically in the past two years due to the financial belt-tightening many of us have experienced in the economic slump. However, inflation of costs has become too great to continue to absorb with my outdated tuition rates which were set over 7 years ago, a decision which I hope my students will understand and support. 

In the past few years, I have expanded my scholarship and work-trade program, and will continue to provide opportunities for full and partial scholarships to ensure that those who could benefit from a boost are able to keep doing what they love.  If this change in price in any way effects your ability to continue to dance with Deep Roots, please get in touch with me to discuss options which may be available to you.  I promise you that I will always do whatever I can to help my students and sisters in the community to dance as much and as long as their hearts' desire. 

Thank you so much for your understanding, and as always if you have any questions or thoughts to share, get in touch anytime at info@deeprootsdance.com  Happy holidays and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year!!

Credit card payments now accepted in person!

Hello lovelies!

Paying for classes is getting even easier.  In addition to online payments we have long offered, and cash and check payments we accept in class, you can now pay for classes at the studio with a credit card.   And if you like, a receipt can be conveniently mailed to any e-mail address or texted to your phone for your records.

So now it is "Cash, check, or charge?" with Deep Roots Dance.  See you in the studio!

The Sound of Music: Fast Class Music

You have asked for it, and I am happy to be sharing with you more music suggestions for dancing and listening. This month we're looking at the common music we use in classes each week. The more familiar you are with these songs, the better you will be able to respond to it in the moment, and the better dancer you will be. Especially in the lead, timing your transitions thoughtfully around changes in the music is a key to gently bringing your followers along with you, making everyone look synchronous and confident.

And the more you listen to Middle Eastern music in general, the more you will begin to recognize common themes and patterns. Eventually, you develop an ear that can anticipate changes, even in music you may have never heard before, and be able to respond to them spontaneously. That's when the real magic strikes...and opens doors to dancing joyfully to live musicians!

So here is a list of fast songs we use in class, which has links to the album on either Amazon or iTunes where you can purchase the individual songs, or the entire album!


Baladi Unplugged (our zilling tune!) / Helm / Itneen

Abu Leila Dance Song / Hasan Abu Layla / Music of the Fellahin

Saidi Festival / Upper Egypt Ensemble / Egypt-A Musical Voyage

Bred Atay / Kasbah Rockers / Kasbah Rockers

Mazamir / BodyShock / The Bellydance Project

Saidi / Atef Mitkal Kenawy / Passion for Percussion*

Sout With Spice / FatChance Belly Dance / Itneen

Baladi We Hetta / Hossam Ramzy / Hafla Bellydance Party

Wuh Ya Booy (Oh Father) / Hossam Ramzy / Sabla Tolo III

Salam Salam / The Third Planet / The Third Planet

Entah / Helm /Itneen

Badass Baladi / Raquy and the Cavemen / Greatest Belly-Dance Hits Vol 2

*This is a legal, free download of this entire album. Just click "Slow Download" to start the transfer.

Powerful Percussion continues this week!

We just finished a fantastic three week session bending our brains and building our agility and stamina in finger cymbal percussion. Thanks to Helene for a truly challenging and rewarding series of classes. Everyone is buzzing about what a fantastic font of information Helene was for us. But wait...there's more!!

(note flyer dates are off by one week due to heat wave cancellations pushing back the series)
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STARTING THIS WEEK:
Erik Brown - Middle Eastern Drums
Thursdays August 20, 27 & September 3
8:30-9:30pm
Phinney Neighborhood Center, Room 7
Bring a drum if you have one, but it is not required*!!

These classes are open to all levels, all styles!
Men and women, all ages, dancers, musicians and enthusiasts, all welcome!

$12 drop-in, or $30 for the full three weeks payable the first night of class.

More information at http://www.mandalatribal.com/classes
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MORE INFO:
A key to becoming a better dancer is to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the rhythms we are driven by. So these classes will teach you not only some great new skills in drumming, but will also enrich your dance!

This special session is open to all levels and all styles--there is no minimum experience requirement on this session. Drop-ins are welcome, but please note that the series will build weekly on previous lessons.


Erik's classes
"The Middle Eastern hand drum is sometimes called a tabla, dumbek, darbooka. It is a goblet shaped drum that is at the heart of the middle eastern music. It's a relatively inexpensive instrument to learn and an easy instrument to carry around places. Learn from the beginning the correct habits, so you can progress efficiently (and of course practice)."

Erik is a patient and effective instructor. He studies with drummers all over the world, and performs with beloved local band House of Tarab. Drumming is great for all ages, and is a fun way for the significant others of belly dancers to take part in belly dance world.

*Please bring a dumbek or similar hand drum. If you have any spares to loan, please bring them as well. ***If you do not have a drum, you will still be able to get a lot out of this class, and can bang on a pot or practice on your lap and the floor while you learn the rhythms and technique this class series has to offer.***

Classes are $12 drop-in, or $30 for the full three weeks payable the first night of class.
More information at http://www.mandalatribal.com/classes

What to expect as you progress

Last year I began teaching occasional comprehensive workshops in which we cover all the movement vocabulary and concept material for each of Level 1 and Level. In that workshop, we also defined what are the skills students are expected to be learning at each level. Here is a copy of my expectations at each level as it pertains to my classes in tribal group improvisation. How do they compare to your expectations of yourself? Where do you or your classes fall in this kind of continuum of expectations?

This is also included in my large and ever-growing Student FAQ on my website, which is divided into multiple sections of information covering everything from what to wear to your first class, to what it takes to perform, and everything in between.
Details after the jump...

Powerful Percussion - Special Skills n' Drills session!

Powerful Percussion
with guest instructors Helene Eriksen and Erik Brown
Thursdays 8:30-9:30pm

Helene Eriksen - Finger Cymbals: July 23 & 30, August 6
Erik Brown - Middle Eastern Drums: August 13, 20, 27

Helene Eriksen and Erik Brown will be sharing their talents with us as guest instructors in the next session of Skills n' Drills. This special session will be open to all levels and all styles--there is no minimum experience requirement on this session. You need not be a current student of mine to enjoy these incredibly fun classes!


The first three weeks will be an exploration of finger cymbals theory and practice, followed by three weeks of Middle Eastern drum rhythms and drills. Students will come away with new skills in integration of your left and right brain and body, some history of percussion around the world, recognizing common Middle Eastern rhythms in music, and of course lots of time to play play play!

A key to becoming a better dancer is to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the rhythms we are driven by. So these classes will teach you not only some great new skills in zills and drumming, but will also enrich your dance!

Again, classes are open to all levels, all styles!

Registration is at http://www.mandalatribal.com/classes/register. The class is listed as "Thursdays Level 2b - Powerful Percussion" in the drop-down if registering through Paypal.