Ooooh....I think I remember you from PennSIC. I love your dancing, and this drum solo is no exception...Damn!

This solo is great. Your personality is really captivating, and especially in a drum solo, I think that's incredibly vital. I like the fact that you joke with and respond to the audience...it seems like you had them in the palm of your hand. You have really solid technique too and put a lot of variety in this drum solo.

Critiques...as you say, I'd watch your arm posture. try not to drop into the relaxed "bent arms at the side posture." I think your arms could be a better frame during your spins and turns too. And watch your hands.

I didn't like the kicks. They just felt out of place to me. They do add a certain dynamic level to the solo, bring the energy up, but I'd substitute something else...maybe a level change?. I didn't notice problems with your hip articulation, but I did sometimes want you to let loose a little more with the shimmies, and turn them into full-on, juicy vibrations. Take some time in the solo and really make room for them. You've got the body for it...make 'em salivate. I love the bit where you move into really fast ummis. Fantastic.

Overall, very little to critique. Sure you could tighten bits of it up (couldn't we all tighten bits of everything up?), but I like drum solos better when they're a spontaneous and not over-rehearsed, so I wouldn't push that. I'd love to see some more clips of yours!

For inspiration, here's a clip of my favorite "shimmy-er" in the DC area: www.youtube.com/watch

Your dancing is very fluid and lovely, but despite the tribal style costume, it read "oriental style/cabaret" to me. I found all the tribal "stuff"--the tassels, the coins, the belt, the necklace--distracting from the energy of your dance. I'm one of those people who believes that the dance must match the music must match the costume. I think that if you continue to perform this piece in that costume, work on holding the "tribal style" lift in the elbows, flowing the energy through the hands and fingers, and keeping your chest strong and lifted. You also did some gestures that are not consistent with the tribal costuming - hair tossing, fingertips at the temples, folkloric-style heel bouncing--and this is something to be aware of in your presentation. You have great flexibility and control in your upper back muscles, judging from your chest locks (Bam!! Awesome!), so hold that and make your movements more controlled. HOWEVER, if you choose to do this piece again, I think the way you presented it here was beautiful, so maybe a little "change of packaging" might help complete the aesthetic. This dance reminded me of Aziza of Oregon/Montreal, who is one of my favorite oriental dancers. Her dance, like yours, is fun, energetic, technically polished, and just a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing it.

Lovely. One day I hope to have that kind of joy and energy in my dancing.

I commented on Youtube, you're awesome. Are you coming to Scotland with Awalim in October this year? If yes I'm really looking forward to the workshops!