DTBD Student Spotlight - Jenna

Name:  Jenna (Brenna Glenna*)
Age: 32
Profession:  Speech-Language Pathologist
Hobbies:  tribal bellydance addict, singer, musical theater aficionado, amateur foodie, coffee fiend, snowboarder, shoe-hunter, and rabid roller derby fan
How long have you been studying bellydance: First class and first attempted shimmy: January 2010

When did you first see bellydance? What were your first impressions?

To be honest, I had never been particularly interested in bellydance, it conjured images of slinky veiled olive-skinned beauties in
outrageously bespangled bedlah sets. As much as I enjoy ridiculous amounts of sparkle (and I do), my previous notions of bellydance were,
while impressive, not for me. Then a friend encouraged me to study ATS. That first YouTube video of Nomaditude completely changed my mind
about bellydance, as well as my thoughts about my potential to participate. It was interesting and beautiful and extraordinary and also approachable!

Skillz & Drillz! - Exploring Texture

Movement isn't merely a series of precise muscular contractions--it is a shaded expression which is the result of various artistic options we have at our disposal.  A movement can be fast or slow, big or small, can be deeply intense or light and airy, and so on. When working as a group in ATS, we try to synch up our expression, making similar choices to create a cohesive look.  But when expanding our abilities as an individual, it is fun to explore the possibilities!

This month's Skillz! Drillz! exercise explores the many textures we can bring to our movement.  Create a combo utilizing three or four different moves, 16 counts each.  Dance your combo through making it as big as possible.  Repeat it again, this time trying it as small as possible.  Repeat at hyper-speed, then again at mega-slow, and so on with each option.  Then split up your combo into parts and assign a different texture to each part--first half n' half of opposing textures, and finishing with all four sections layered with a different texture.  See how the use of the same moves but with different intent and focus can change the entire look and feel of what you are doing.

I am my mother's daughter - Loud and Proud...

I love my Mom for never telling me I was "too". I was never too quiet or too loud. Never too dressed up or dressed down. Never too serious or too silly. She of course guided me as to what was appropriate to a given occasion, but overall, she let me be me. And I grew up to be a women who was not afraid to ask for what I want, speak my mind, love and be loved, or generally mold my life into what I feel I need. I am a powerful woman, and I am a reflection of my powerful Momma.

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful Mother.

DTBD Newsletter - May

Happy spring everyone! Here is the latest from Double Take Bellydance:

Performance Opportunities!

This summer holds two performance opportunities in July, and we want you to be a part of it. YES YOU!!  Students of all levels are invited to join in the fun.  And for one event, even your friends and family can get involved!  If you are interested in participating, contact Shay immediately to receive information on rehearsals, costuming, and other details.
Med Fest - July 16 or 17 (day/time TBA)
ALL LEVELS
Join Nomaditude on stage at the Mediterranean Fantasy Festival (Med Fest)--Seattle's longest running celebration of bellydance!  All day shopping, schmoozing, and performances on two stages.
Greenwood Seafair Parade - July 27th, 6pm
ALL LEVELS + PARADE PALS
Everyone is invited to take part in a performance with Nomaditude in the Greenwood Seafair Parade, even your non-dance friends and family!   This is a completely playful, exhilarating opportunity to get dressed up and spread the joy in this annual tradition.

Student Spotlight - Jeni Bonano

Name:  Jeni Bonanno
Age: 45
Profession:  Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Hobbies:  Movies, tattoos, art, music, fashion, traveling, shopping, and bellydancing

When did you first see bellydance? What were your first impressions?

I first saw it on TV and thought it was beautiful and sensual.

What motivated you to finally take your first bellydance class?

I saw a listing on My Ballard blog for a bellydance class and thought that it would be a fun and challenging thing to try…. and it certainly is challenging!