Fans and Friends of Neon's topics - tribe.net

Upcoming Dvds Question

Helen — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:56:16 GMT

I received a pre-order notice for Ranya Renee's new Classical Oriental. Is it really going to be out in October?

On the same note, it was really nice when you posted upcoming dvds and general dates on your website. It helped with budgeting, something I'm sure people would appreciate especially around the holidays. Could you bring that back?

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 3 replies

Download dvds?

aziyade — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:24:32 GMT

HI - sorry if this is an old question, but I remember a time when you could buy an instant download of the WDNY dvds. Is that no longer an option? I'm just curious -- and curious why you discontinued the option. Thanks!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Sharifwear Retail Store Opening Soon in NYC!!

Sharifwear — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:12:47 GMT

Hello everyone!
We just wanted to let you know that we are very excited with our new Sharifwear Store!!
At Sharifwear you will find: Tanka Shoes, Dance Wear, Bellydance Wear, costumes, zills, belts, ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for the DANCER!
Troupe orders welcome !
Opening Soon! Grand opening September 25th, 2009.
For more information, visit our website www.sharifwear.com

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Working with Love Potion

Atisheh — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:57:04 GMT

Well, I finally began working with it, and I have some kind of muscular fatigue now! (I didn't realise the tutorial section is not *really* 50 minutes -- it's more like 93 minutes!)

I decided to describe my experiences in my blog (here: http://atisheh.blogspot.com/2009/07/working-with-love-potion-bellydance.html ) but, I'll also post it below.

I'm always inspired by the way Mala works systematically with a DVD. I tend not to be like that. I'm more of a butterfly -- I see something interesting, I do it once, and then forget it on the shelf for a while. But I wanted to get back into dance, and I wanted to see what it might be like to do the same program, whether a workout, a choreography, or some mixture of both, repeatedly over a few days. Would I notice an improvement?

The perfect candidate for this experiment seemed to be Love Potion: The Bellydance Workout. Like other recent offerings from World Dance New York, it has an insane amount of material, a full 140 minutes of it. The DVD case advertises a 50 minute instructional section for beginners, which intersperses guidance on movements with segments of flow, a 5o minute practice flow, and the workout itself, which is 40 minutes long. I thought I'd commit to three days, and do one section on each day, progressing in difficulty as I go.

Sounds easy enough, and after watching the intro, I got ready to dance. What I didn't realise was that the 50 minute instructional section is not actually 50 minutes long. It's over an hour and a half. I suspect they mean that the instruction itself is 50 minutes long, if you put it all together, but there are enough segments from the flow section that doing the whole thing takes a long, long time. In a way, I'm glad I didn't know what I was getting into, or I might have been too lazy to start!

A couple of observations on this first day: the moves are quite basic, but putting them together in combinations, with footwork, armwork, and all at full speed, is not so basic. It kind of reminds you how much bellydance can do with just a few simple movements. The footwork is covered quickly, but it would be worth learning well. I love, as usual, Neon's gentle accent and the way she explains the principles behind movements. I also love that she gives pointers on head position and hand accents. This kind of attention to finesse has been a real focus in WDNY videos lately, and it's most welcome. Also, in her introduction to Love Potion, Neon advises experienced dancers not to skip over slow movements, and she's right: these are truly difficult to do smoothly.

Oh yeah, and I really need to work on my three-quarter shimmies.

After an hour and a half, I had to do some serious stretching. I can feel all my abdominal and back muscles (in a good way), to say nothing of my arms and shoulders. At one point during the instruction, my arms were really tired and drooping, and I felt that I must be really out of shape. I now realize this was probably after 80 minutes of keeping my arms up! Neon says in the introduction that this is not meant to be an aerobic workout, but a muscular one. This is truth in advertising -- this is probably not the best way to spend your time if your goal is to lose weight, but a great way to practice sharp or gooey movements, footwork, coordination, grace, and musicality.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 5 replies

Pop, Lock, and Roll

Helen — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:37:05 GMT

Is this still coming out in May?

Helen

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 6 replies

LOVE POTION trailer is out!!

dina — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:52:52 GMT

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=CgMkkCDR78o

doesn't it look great?????

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Fantastic deal on WDNY!!!

romdeussen — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 02:01:59 GMT

I just popped over to the website to pre-order one of the DVD's, and if you buy 2 or more, it's 30--yes, THIRTY--percent off and free shipping!!!! I just walked away with seven or eight DVD's (well, 10 if you count that 2 of them were double DVD sets...wait...3 of them, maybe) for quite a bit under $100.

I don't know how long it lasts, but it's a fantastic, fabulous deal!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 5 replies

Bellydance DVDs starting at $0.99

kazi — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:43:49 GMT

hey everyone! i'm just letting you all know that my friend is selling a bunch of bellydance dvds on ebay. she just got knee surgery and can't dance anymore. =/ she decided to take up photography soooo.... she's selling all her dvds and stuff to gather up some cash to get a camera. theyre all starting at $0.99 so you might be able to get a bargain and help her out at the same time. :D

here is the link:

shop.ebay.ca/merchant/pootycoot

thanks!!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Happy birthday Blanca!!!!

romdeussen — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:56:28 GMT

I'll refrain from singing since I got kicked out of chorus in 3rd grade for being so horrid :)

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

Veil Mechanics & Veil Dynamics workshop with Tanna Valentine

Venus Uprising — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:55:21 GMT

In this workshop, Bellydancer of the Universe 2008 Veil Champion Tanna Valentine will cover the essential “toolkit” of movements for polished, professional veilwork. After a review of proper posture and body alignment, veil wraps, stationary and traveling movements, turns and “tricks” will be explored.

The difference between an Arabic veil entrance and a full American Cabaret veil number will also be illustrated. After polishing mechanics in the first half of the workshop, Tanna will teach dynamics in the second half as the students learn a complete choreography to the classic AmCab veil song “Bir Demet”. Useful tips on handling veil mishaps will be shared as the occasions arise!

Please bring at least one veil to class, preferably a minimum of three yards long. Practice veils will be available.
Unique, hand-dyed silk veils by Shaula of Silkdancer will be available for purchase.

SATURDAY
FEB 28 2009
Noon - 4 p.m.

Registration begins at 12:15 p.m.
the workshop begins promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Studio 3G at 440 Studios
440 Lafayette
New York, NY 10014

$55 prepaid
$70 at the door

http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Is the Fantasy Bellydance performance dvd out already?

dina — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:35:39 GMT

Hi everybody,

I realize amazon says this dvd is out and available already (Jan 27th being the release date).
Has any of you guys seen it? Or seen a trailer anywhere?
Sooner or later I ll be getting it anyway, but a tiny preview would be great!
Maybe some of you can share some of the impressions?

thanks!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Thank you WDNY!

bellydancingchef — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:39:56 GMT

Thank you so much for providing free shipping and discounts on 2 or more DVDs. WDNY is hands down the best producers of the finest bellydance videos on the planet, and they do it affordably. I feel as though setting the prices so low, WDNY really cares for art and for the customers who buy their DVDs. We're not just someone to make a buck off of, we all benefit from these beautiful videos and I'm looking forward to seeing more great dvds from you. ( My new goal is to buy 2 per month, on non-rent paycheck day LOL).

OK. Done gushing now.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Autumn's DVD trailer & Burlesque

neonissima — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:47:02 GMT

Hello dear ones - answering Helen's and Dina's questions about Autumn's DVD - we have now the trailer for it, so I started a new thread so that the link to the trailer is easier to find:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfMv55pAAXk

How do you like YouTube's new widescreen format?

Helen, Autumn's program has a different methodological approach than most beginner-level instructional programs: the words we came up with to describe the approach very briefly is "a master-level understanding of the basics" - it is very systematic, from total step one. That is why it has two very different sections:
- the 2 hr.-long technique section - a series of lessons that are very in-depth despite their beginner nature, where the basics are broken down into small distinct kinesthetic components - body angles, weight shifts etc.,
- and the practice flows, which are more free-form, entertaining, set in a great music environment.

The instructional section will work especially well for those of us who are systematic learners, trying to see common elements in diverse moves. Autumn is a true master of very clean technique - and this program presents the method she developed in the last 10 yrs. The Flows section will work for those of us who are intuitive learners, who prefer to learn by imitation - as a very clean and methodical mover Autumn is a perfect model for this type of learning - watching her movement puts the right kinesthetic ideas into your muscles!

Here is a link to the full description of the program:
http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/product.php?proid=78&catid=7

For me as an instructor it was very "instructive" to get into the details of Autumn's method of teaching - so if you are a teacher, and if you have a chance to lay your hands on this video to check it out, it's worth it from methodological perspective.

Dina, answering your question about burlesque -- burlesque is a theatrical art (more than movement art), it is all about interplay of intentions, concealing and revealing, and tastefully and humorously playing with audience's expectations. It's a traditional art with a long history and that's why there are many "classic" retro elements in it that look really cool to our modern eye. Jo Weldon, our NYC star of burlesque and headmistress of the New York School of Burlesque, teaches both technique and the actual routines: She choreographs her movement, but since the emphasis is on the theater, on the reaveal / conceal and flirtation art , you can add any type of movement to burlesque: you can add heavy dance element to it - jazz, bellydance, exotic dance, whatever your personal style favors, or you can just keep it as clean and simple free-form theatrical movement.

Jo Weldon is the burlesque choreographer and instructor for the current US TV hit "The Gossip Girl" - she choreographs for the actresses in the show and will also appear in the TV episodes in the new season.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 7 replies

New WDNY DVD trailers

neonissima — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:06:35 GMT

Dear ones, thank you for your comments about our recent and upcoming World Dance New York DVD releases -- we have quite a few amazing projects underway and I am so looking forward to sharing them with you!

Here are the links to the trailers for our 2 February releases:

"Bellydance Egyptian Style - The Baladi" with Ranya Renee (NYC)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvnl6qucumQ
and

"Honey & Spice - Sensual & Fierce Burlesque" with Jo weldon (NYC)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV3ZgnFFKjY

We also have now the full descriptions of these programs on the WDNY website:

The Baladi:
http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/product.php?proid=79&catid=7
and
Burlesque:
http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/product.php?proid=81&catid=29

We'll have more videos by these artists:
Jo Weldon's instructional DVD teaching burlesque fan dance will be released in April, and Ranya's "Modern Oriental" program will come out in March (plus another DVD by Ranya, "Classical Oriental" scheduled for summer). All these releases are very content-rich, the amount of work that went into them is unbelievable - I hope they will delight and entertain you!
Meanwhile, I need a real big vacation... NOW....

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Welcome to CoSM's Full Moon Celebration

redheadstepkid — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:51:57 GMT

Each month, Alex and Allyson Grey celebrate the Full Moon with an evening of wisdom, music, poetry and prayer from all traditions in the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. Dancing to the tribal sounds of NYC’s most dynamic drum circle follows in the adjacent CoSMosis studio.

We're calling out to
YOU!— Movers and makers
Shimmy-ers and shakers
Visionary creators
Polyrhythmic displayers
Drummers and Dancers
Creative take-chancers:
By Full Moon we converge
Divine love and light surge!

If you have participated in Full Moon before, on any level, we welcome you back. If you have never been to Full Moon, we invite you to join us.

The next Full Moon ceremony will be
Saturday, December 22.
7:30-9:30pm: Prayer/polytheistic variety program.
10pm-midnite: Drum & Dance
$10 donation
CoSM: 542 West 27th St. NYC
cosm.org

Free admission for those who are willing to help with set up and take down.

Namaste,
http://tribes.tribe.net/cosmdrum

This is a family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free event.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 14 replies

Fayzah Tribal Fusion improvisation clip

neonissima — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:01:40 GMT

Here is link to another clip we've just uploaded to YouTube - of Fayzah, NYC Tribal Fusion instructor who will publish her "Fluid Tribal" Tribal Fusion instructional DVD with World Dance New York in early spring:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js-cVgPDc84

She has a very unique, personal TF style - enjoy!
It's just a piece of total improv, but I enjoy Fayzah's style so much, really wanted to share it with you.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Finally getting on top of things; please post reviews on Amazon.

romdeussen — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:30:11 GMT

I finally got around to posting reviews of the WDNY DVD's on Amazon.com--I have a number of them written out, now it's typing them all into Amazon.

The market is being flooded with a SLEW of DVD's right now focused on bellydance, so if you would be so kind, go to Amazon.com and post about your favorite WDNY DVD's. For new dancers out there, it can be confusing as to which DVD's to get, and a well written review by someone who has seen and used the DVD helps greatly, and as you know, WDNY has DVD's for every level of dance.

Thanks all!

Your friendly moderator :)

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

"Rhythms" DVD trailer

neonissima — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:16:21 GMT

Dear ones, I've posted a trailer for my upcoming "Bellydance Rhythms Workout" DVD on YouTube,
here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFRiz1Wzd_Y

The DVD will be released at the end of November -- looking forward to your feedback, hoping you will like it!!!!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 7 replies

Chapel of Sacred Mirrors Buys Permanent Site

redheadstepkid — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:00:36 GMT

For Immediate Release: Chapel of Sacred Mirrors leaves NYC,
CoSM Sanctuary to open in Wappinger, NY mid-2009.

The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors has been a sanctuary for contemplation and events encouraging the creative spirit in New York City since 2004. Hundreds of thousands of people have visited Alex and Allyson Grey’s living brochure; their vision of a permanent home, but the lease has ended. CoSM is pleased to announce the purchase of 40-acre former interfaith retreat campus, 65 miles up the Hudson River. It’s a 20-minute walk from the New Hamburg MetroNorth station or about an hour’s drive from NYC.

CoSM Sanctuary will offer spiritual gatherings; educational and cultural events emphasizing art as a spiritual practice. Visionary artists, musicians, dancers, scientists and teachers will share their wisdom here. Sun-filled galleries and libraries will provide meditative and contemplative space for the mind, body and soul. The chapel you have seen in sculpted model will be built for the artwork of Alex Grey and others.

CoSM Sanctuary has wonderful opportunities, but its upkeep was neglected for many years and its buildings have fallen into disrepair. With your help, this once-magnificent estate can be repurposed.

The brick carriage house will be converted to exhibit the Sacred Mirrors. A conference building will host art, meditation and yoga classes. A cabin in the woods will become a studio where artists-in-residence can paint and sculpt for the Chapel and beyond. The main house, a stunning wood-frame Victorian, needs extensive renovation to be weatherproof and energy-efficient. Simple, affordable overnight lodging and dining for up to 100 people will be available.

The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is a 501(c)(3) organization, supported solely by donations from the community, which are deductible on income and estate taxes. Financial contributions and skilled volunteers are needed. An estimated two million dollars is required for renovation. There are tens of thousands of fans of Alex Grey and the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, just ten dollars from each can add up quickly.
You can donate online at http://cosm.org/donate.html
Or visit our web stores, at http://cosm.org/shop.html and http://www.alexgrey.com/shop.html, and buy a piece of art history.
Checks may be mailed to Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, PO Box 20668, N, NY 10011

If you have time and skills to offer in Wappinger, please write to our volunteer coordinator: cosm.art.sanctuary@gmail.com

If you can help us move art and furniture from NYC to Wappinger in January, please write to our move coordinator Mz. imani -
cosm.move.nyc@gmail.com

With your help, says founding artist Alex Grey, “We will create sacred space, a new center for creativity as a spiritual path.”

Thank you, and blessings.

Updates are also posted on Facebook:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/120180?m=c776db28&recruiter_id=30460931

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Luscious Series

Helen — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:59:21 GMT

Hi Neon,

I hope you're planning a Luscious 3, 4, 5 ect., LOL. A second one will just not be enough. Seriously.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 5 replies

Autumn Ward's Beginner Dvd?

Helen — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:04:01 GMT

Hi Neon,

There is a glut of beginner dvds out on the market. You're a savvy business woman and dancer, so I was wondering what new spin you are taking with this dvd.

Thanks,

Helen

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Luscious Review

Atisheh — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:10:52 GMT

I just posted this to Amazon... thought I'd post it here too!

Did we really need another bellydance-based workout? I wouldn't have thought so, but Neon, as usual, has gone and proven my expectations wrong.

"Luscious" is an exquisitely made program, with more good qualities than I can enumerate. The costumes and setting are gorgeous -- nothing like the typical brightly-lit aerobics studio -- and Neon advises you at the beginning to dress up for it and join the three dancers here in making the movement special. This is the kind of thing that sounds cheesy, but I did it, and it makes sense: how will you forget about bad body image or those extra pounds if you're wearing ugly workout wear? Dressing up makes you feel like you're dancing, not punishing yourself.

The instruction itself is taught in sections themed "Circles," "Infinity Loops," "Undulations," "Hip Accents," "Shimmy," and "Body Line." Each dancer leads two of the sections: she stands at the front and her voiceover describes the movements to be done. What I really like about this is that the sections weren't assigned randomly; instead, each section bears the particular dancer's imprint, and showcases her strengths. It's subtle, but you start to notice that Neon leads complicated, quick-changing combinations, Blanca shows her wonderful, large, and sensuous movements, and Sarah Skinner adds an upbeat Turkish feel to the shimmy section. This made the instructors seem much less like exchangeable dancing bodies, and much more like teachers with particular areas of expertise.

The movements are varied, and quite a few combinations are introduced and repeated from two to six times. This is not a "four of this and four of that" drill. In fact, I would suggest that complete beginners start with a different video. This would be great for advanced beginners like me, who are not expert enough for a complicated choreo with tons of layering, but get bored when everything comes in fours and is repeated ad infinitum.

All along, the dancers offer tips on putting emotion into the steps, on maintaining form, and on making movements deeper and stronger. While the dancing is rarely fast-paced, the slowness of the movements is often more challenging and grueling. The workout made me sweat (though it might not make everyone), but more importantly, it challenged me to maintain grace, form, and muscle control while learning the combinations. I couldn't believe it when the forty-five minutes were over -- it felt like fifteen!

If you have weak knees, you might want to be careful with some of the lunges and plies; on the other hand, there aren't a lot of them, and they're done slowly enough that you can be careful. I'll also repeat the warning that this might be a little hard for complete beginners who aren't already good at picking up choreography. However, the video does have a well-indexed instructional section which describes all the movements used in the workout. As a step up, there's a version of the workout with music alone, and no voice over.

In case my enthusiasm wasn't clear enough, I really think WDNY has a winner with this video. It's simple, but also simple enough to do regularly and to grow into. At the same time, even once you have learned the step combinations, adding graceful arm and handwork (to say nothing of being aware of facial expressions, head positions, and dancer's poise) poses an extra layer of difficulty. And finally, the movements are, quite simply, beautiful. You will be happy to be dancing.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 9 replies

Images from the "Tarot - Fantasy Bellydance" show! - x-post

neonissima — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:31:30 GMT

Dear ones, sorry for the x-post - I am just very eager to share our latest Venus Uprising show success story!

The show played to a full house on both nights - much gratitude to the artists who created the 18 numbers based on the Tarot deck archetypes.

The show was filmed and we hope to release in on DVD in spring, on the World Dance New York label.

Here is our full set of images from the show (Flickr):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/worlddancenewyork/sets/72157608599398653/

and here is a selection of images with captions:
http://www.venusuprising.com/events/tarot/tarot-photo.htm

+ photos from tech rehearsals:
http://www.venusuprising.com/events/tarot/tarot-photo-tech.htm

Thank you!!!!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Ranya Renee talking on her upcoming THREE Egyptian WDNY dvds!!

dina — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:45:11 GMT

Ranya Renee speaks about her 3 upcoming Egyptian WDNY instructionals: Modern Oriental, Classical Orientale, and a 2-dvd set Baladi!!!

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/product-news-reviews/19812-wdny-egyptian-dvds-ranya-renee.html#post277569

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/belly-dance-student-instructor-center/18886-baladi-dvds.html

Enjoy as much as I did ;) Cant wait for these either, Neon got the most amazing projects :)

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Reminder: Autumn Ward's CLEAN LINES workshop presented by Venus Uprising

Venus Uprising — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:02:31 GMT

YES YOU WANT THIS WORKSHOP! Just watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEDbf4376Y8

Learn secrets to gain charismatic stage presence, elegance, grace, and the “finished” look of a classically trained dancer.

Classwork includes both technique (for all levels) and choreography (for intermediate dancers) emphasizing turnout, balance, alignment, phrasing, breath, core control, and carriage of the arms.

Autumn will conclude with a special tutorial on turns across the floor (guaranteed to help even the most turn-challenged, and helpful for teachers looking for a new approach to presenting this material); please bring socks or soft-soled dance shoes.

Doors will open at 3:15 (There's a class before us).
3:15 Registration begins
3:30 Workshop begins
4:30 Break with complimentary drinks
4:45 Workshop continues

SATURDAY OCT. 25 2008
3:30 - 5:45 PM
Dance Forum
20 East 17th St,
(bet. 5th ave and Broadway)
Second Floor, NYC
This spacious studio features a wooden floor: NO hard sole or street shoes are permitted.

$40 prepaid / $50 door
Sign up here:
http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

My own WDNY challenge....to me.

romdeussen — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:43:43 GMT

So, now that the Cushing's Syndrome is letting up, it has left me with a bit of--well, a lot of--an excess. It's not my SIZE that bothers me now as much as how out of shape I have become due to focusing on other health things. Now, I feel much better but the idea of taking a run instills terror in my heart.

Yesterday I was sitting in front of my DVD collection, and got an idea. I pulled out every WDNY DVD that had addressed an area I wanted to work on, and decided, much like the Body for Life challenge, I was going to do a WDNY challenge for myself. Using the WDNY videos, I am going to get back into shape. I chose to do it this way b/c if I just say, "I'll just pop in a DVD and do it..." my ADHD brain would take forever trying to pick a DVD. I have most of the WDNY series, so I'm putting them to specific use now.

The reason I'm posting here? Obviously, it has to do with Neon and WDNY, but also b/c if I kept it to myself, I'd slack off.

I hosted Asharah this weekend for a workshop, so I popped in her DVD last night again, and forgot exactly WHY I can't walk after it...fantastic. Tonight, Ariellah's and the Go Deeper Yoga one. Tomorrow, I attempt again the Capoeira one, but watching me attempt is much like watching a spider undergoing St. Vitus' Dance...

I got a before photo taken, which I'll post after this is over--I've given myself till October 25th to not panic at the idea of meeting up again with the triathalon club (I had signed up before all this happened, but have been too sheepish to go as of late).

And if you'd like to join in, please do!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 10 replies

Neon s new workout (drum rhythms) plus one suggestion!

dina — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:00:38 GMT

hello friends, hi neon!!!

i just coincidentally discovered there s a cover for neon s upcoming drum solo combos for beginners to intermediates..
IT S A FANTASTIC COVER!!
http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/product.php?proid=74&catid=6

my favourite so far!! I love combinations of "sunny" colours, and pink/orange/yellow as my favourite colours on one of my favourite instructors makes me want to get the dvd right away :)))

i have one suggestion regarding practice workouts (bellydance):

I recently started working with Jenna s great Basics and Beyond. I m pretty much of a beginner, and I find it FANTASTIC.
what I like best about it:
she does sooo many variations in the one and a half hours of movement practice without music, all variations I ve ever learned in live classes years ago.. no beginner dvd so far (I own your Instant BD, but have not tried it so far, so maybe yours is equally "varied" :)
has delivered this great variety.
however, the practice with music session necessarily cannot use and combine all variations in 30 or 40 minutes if I am not wrong..

I would therefore suggest a "Full Practice Session with Jenna" would be a great great dvd.. Her doing all kind of variations with music, at best one for beginners as a supplement to her beginner dvd, one more intermediate one as a supplement for her recent intermediate dvd would be great..

What do you guys think of this?
I for my part will turn on some music and pause the dvd frequently to really make as much of the many variations as possible.. but I have a hard time practising on my own, being guided by a teacher who knows how to combine and maybe does surprising tempo or movement variations keeps me "on board" to a much better degree :))

i m looking forward to the next releases :)
have ordered luscious bellydance and some others from this spring, am looking forward to them :)

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 3 replies

Venus Uprising semi-annual show NYC "Tarot - A Fantasy Bellydance Concert" Nov.1 & 2

neonissima — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:39:00 GMT

Dear friends, for those of you who happen to be in NYC on Nov.1 and 2, please join us for our Venus Uprising semi-annual event. This fall our fantasy bellydance concert theme is Tarot - every dance portrays archetypal images based on Tarot cards. It's going to be a very strong show, with a spectacular array of solos and group numbers. All pieces are very different: We are not a dance company, each number is conceived and choreographed by the artists who present it, so the variety of styles and creative thinking is incredible.

We'll have large-scale theatrical compositions, like "Wheel of Fortune" (the story of Cleopatra) and "Lust" by Sarah Skinner, Kazja and The Sisters of Salome; Tribal / Tribal fusion numbers by Sarah Locke's "Alchemy Dance Theater", Fayzah and her group "Aurea Dancers," Irina and Tribal Fusion / Gothic "BellyCraft," Alicia and Heather from Miami FL. It'll be a lot of fun, plus a wine reception after our Saturday's show.

Both shows start at 8, for
INFO / TICKETS please visit: http://www.venusuprising.com/events/tarot.htm

Our Cast:
The Fool - Blanca
The Magician - Neon and Blanca
The High Priestess - Sarah Locke & Alchemy Tribal
The Empress - Ayshe
The Emperor - Toshi Hamada
The Lovers - Neon and Angel
The Lovers (parody) - Yoshina
Adjustment / Justice (sword dance) - Irina Akulenko
The Hermit - Tanna Valentine
The Wheel of Fortune and Lust - Sarah Skinner, Kazja and the Sisters of Salome
The Hanged Man - Alicia and Heather of BellyCraft (Gothic)
Death - Fayzah and Aurea Dancers (Sangeeta Vallabhan & Zahra Hashemian)
Judgment - Autumn Ward & group
Temperance - Andrea Anwar
The Devil - Anasma
The Tower - Sherene Vismaya
The Star - Elisheva & Kittarina

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

The HoopDance Workout!

neonissima — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:50:48 GMT

Dear friends, here is a link to the trailer for our World Dance New York upcoming DVD release (September 30) - The HoopDance Workout:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOVCgcgLhGA
It was created by Christabel Zamor, aka the HoopGirl, amazing hoopdance artist from CA.
I attach the description of the program, and if you'd like to research hoopdance, look it up here on Tribe, there are a number of hoopdance tribes, plus here is Christabel's website: http://hoopgirl.com

I've tested the workout it's...quite a workout! And much fun, of course (although I dropped the hoop a million times!) It has a strong motivational, holistic aspect to it, since hooping is quite meditative. You can try a regular hula hoop, but what really works best is the adult-size hoop, which is much heavier - these hoops are available online, - you can find them at Christabel's website if you would like to try hoopdancing.

And here is the DVD description:

Hoopdance is exercise, movement meditation, and an art form blending performance and fitness. Often called, "the new yoga", It is a fun and graceful way to unwind and relieve stress while getting a total body workout.

Hoopdance increases your spinal flexibility, energizes your libido, and provides a great cardiovascular workout. It also tones your abs, thighs, and arms. Hooping is an excellent weight loss tool: Dynamic, high-energy hoopdance burns calories like aerobics or running.

As a dance form, hoopdance is about self-expression and self-discovery. It can be sexy and feminine, it can be edgy and mysteriously evocative, and it is always inclusive. Hoopdance is liberating and non-judgemental, because there is simply no wrong way to hoop.

The Hoop Dance Workout is designed for you by Christabel Zamor, aka HoopGirl, one of the pioneers of hoopdance, and a star fitness instructor certified by the American Aerobics and Fitness Association.

Christabel's program welcomes total beginners. It is safe and works the whole body through pleasurable movements. All ages, body types and ability levels welcome!

The workout begins with a warmup and continues non-stop! Christabel teaches the basics of hooping, including hoop recovery techniques and ways to control hoop speed. Each chapter which follows is based on a different movement pattern, mood, and visualizations. Drills alternate with the Dance Party sections, where you can play with creative expression. The workout also offers combinations where you can get in the groove and practice what you have learned. Throughout the workout Christabel uses inspiring imagery and the motivational power of positive thoughts to make your experience uplifting and emotionally healing. As an added bonus, a costumed performance is included to inspire you to take your dance to the next level!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

VU presents Ayshe's Mega Choreographic Workshop and Performance Opportunity

Venus Uprising — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:35:33 GMT

Learn 3 dance choreographies in one day and then get to perform your favorite one at our student show (date to be announced)

SUNDAY SEPT 28 2008
12 PM - 4:30 PM

Dance Forum 20 East 17th St, (bet. 5th ave and Broadway) Second Floor
Ring Buzzer #2 NYC

Info:
http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

Each section will come with breakdown/practice dvd, so you can continue working on it after the workshop is over (prepay and receive your dvd day of the workshop)

1 SWORD DANCE (slow, intense, includes floorwork)
2 PHARAONIC RITUAL DANCE WITH WINGS
3 TRANCED-OUT DRUM SOLO (**not your typical cabaret drum solo, but wilder**)

level: intermediate
4 hrs of teaching plus 2 breaks

COMPLETE workshop:
$75 prepaid
$90 at the door

EACH dance:
$30 prepaid
$35 at the door

PREPAY:
http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Self-Defense for Women trailer

neonissima — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:12:04 GMT

And here is a link to the trailer for "Self-Defense for Women with Tayah Kansik" (released in August):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSqZL2FPHuw

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

easy afro instruction strongly desired!!!!!

dina — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:25:41 GMT

hi neon!
i am about to watch the lovely chakra dance flow for the first time - have not danced to it, am just runnin it to get an idea (i am a slow learner, so i like to watch the dvd first..)
I looooove the music in it, especially in the earth part.

while watchin it i realized i d LOOOVE to have some easy afro instruction - i have a slight knee damage so most afro workouts out there look waaaay to hard for me to do.
an easy smooth afro instruction gentle enough for absolute beginners to this dance style could fill a gap I think!

best wishes
dina

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

UPCOMING VENUS UPRISING WORKSHOPS IN NYC

Venus Uprising — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:46:13 GMT

http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

JENNA
TRAVELING WITH LAYERS AND VARIATIONS
SUNDAY AUG 17 2008 3:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
440 Lafayette, Studio 4F, NYC

ATHENA NAJAT
DANCING WITH PASSION: BELLYDANCE WITH GREEK FLAVOR
TUESDAY AUG 26 2008 7:00pm - 9:00pm
We Click Studios, 20 West 20th Street, Suite 602, NYC

RAYHANA
DANCING WITH PASSION: SENSUAL FLOORWORK
TUESDAY SEPT 2 2008 7:00pm - 9:00pm
We Click Studios, 20 West 20th Street, Suite 602, NYC

BLANCA & CARMINE
DRUM SOLO: TECHNIQUE, MUSICALITY & SHOWMANSHIP - WITH LIVE DRUMMING
SATURDAY SEPT. 6 2008 3:30 - 6:45 PM
Dance Forum - 20 East 17th St, (bet. 5th ave and Broadway) 2nd Floor, NYC

For more info and to sign up:
http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Who is Neonissima???

shaynaz — Fri, 19 May 2006 19:06:59 GMT

Hi neon, i have a good question for you!! Who is Neonissima? You dont really have a bio on your website. Id really love to know a little bit more about you. Here's a few questions to start...
I know you are Russian, when did you come to the USA? how did you feel about moving from your home country to the USA?
did you go to school here? what did you study?
did you study other dances besides bellydance, if Yes, then what did you study?
How did you get into Bellydance?
Who was your first bd teacher? who else have you studied bellydance with?
What made you start Worlddance New york?

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 19 replies

Where can I find?

DeLana — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:18:31 GMT

This may have been covered before but where can (Heck, can I?) find the song from (I think) Golden Apple "I wanna be a bellydancer" I'm not even sure thats the name of it. Anyway I hope someone knows which one I mean!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 5 replies

Hacking problem - Facebook

neonissima — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:40:42 GMT

Dear friends, my Tribe profile keeps being hacked every few weeks. I am tired of uploading stuff, apologizing for vanishing from everyone's friend lists, having bizzarre messages sent on my behalf, etc., so I moved most of my networking and keeping-in-touch activity to Facebook - so far hacker-free. If you are on Facebook, please befriend me!

On Facebook I am "Neon NYC":
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=530745020

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

VU presents: TRAVELING WITH LAYERS & VARIATIONS workshop with JENNA

Venus Uprising — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:33:46 GMT

TRAVELING WITH LAYERS & VARIATIONS
Workshop with JENNA
intermediate - advanced

$40 prepaid
$55 at thedoor

SUNDAY AUG 17 2008
3:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
440 Lafayette
Studio 4F

Travel Steps make your performances dynamic and add the element of movement through space to your dance. The ability to perform a step's multiple variations is one of the features that separates intermediate/advanced dancers from beginners. The addition of layers such as undulations and level changes to the basic foot patterns will give new life and complexity to your travel steps. Instead of just going from point 'A' to point 'B', you'll be circling and twisting through space!

In this workshop Jenna will teach several of her favorite Travel Steps in their basic form, then add variations that we will incorporate into exciting combinations you can use to bring another dimension to your dancing.

Study with this spectacular artist and creator of acclaimed instructional DVDs!
Register now:
http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

New video clips

neonissima — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:55:41 GMT

Dear friends, here are links to a couple of our new YouTube clips:

"Seven Veils - Romantic Bellydance" with Sarah Skinner - TRAILER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTGJVeTy43k

and a performance clip - me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aesgfwcuJAA

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

SELF DEFENSE FOR WOMEN RELEASE!!!!

dina — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:35:29 GMT

hi everybody, HI NEON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i just read on the new release section of the WDNY website a self defense release, or rather 2, are scheduled for fall this year..
ANOTHER GREAT IDEA!!! awesome..
only - will this be possbile to train with a "volunteer" at home?? i doubt my hubby will *hmmmm*

as for the other releases - sooo waiting especially for ranyas and yours in fall :-q
and of course sarah s seven veils..
best rgds!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 12 replies

"Fantasy Bellydance" (performances) DVD

neonissima — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:19:14 GMT

Dear ones, we are almost done filming the upcoming "Fantasy Bellydance" performance DVD. The release date is set for September. I will upload a few images from the DVD performances in our tribe album, and here is our cast:

Salome's Sin - Sarah Skinner and group (Kazja, Tava, Sherene Vismaya, Patricia Delgado, Kelly Wasilishen, Tanya Michaca, Melissa Voodoo)

Aphrodite - Rayhana and group (choreography: Ayshe; group: Sirrah Nur, Elena Kirsanova, Miyoko Satoh, Nana Masuda, Kai Wen, Tanya Michaca, Jennifer Bowen, Patricia Delgado, Enzina)

Atlantis - Autumn Ward and group (Amantha, Danyel Jones, Erica Young, Melissa Voodoo, Victoria LaCerra)

Uyum Dance (Kittarina and Elisheva) - sword duet

"Firebird" - Ayshe (wings)

Fantasy Geisha - Tanna Vaentine

Mermaid - Sira

Swan Maiden - Neon

Persephone - Blanca

Prince Charming - Anasma

Moon Dance - Anasma

Barbarella - Fayzah

Ruler of the Deep Sea - Fayzah

The Call of an Amazon Warrior - Irina

Emergent - duet, Ayshe and Zobeida

Solo by Autumn Ward

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Reminder: FAN VEILS - Workshop with Tanna this Saturday

Venus Uprising — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:15:17 GMT

Venus Uprising presents:
FAN VEILS
Technique and Combinations
a workshop with Tanna Valentine

Flirtatious, fiery and just plain fun, fans and fan veils can add a wonderful accent to your fusion and fantasy performances. Using both regular folding fans and fan veils, Tanna will teach techniques and tips for successful fan handling.

Please bring 2 folding fans and 2 fan veils. A limited number of fans and fan veils will be available for practice. If you've been curious about fanveils and want to try before you buy - here is your opportunity!

440 Lafayette between Astor Place and 4th Street in Studio 4F. This spacious room features a marley floor: NO hard sole or black sole shoes are permitted.
The studio will open at 2:15 p.m., and workshops will start promptly at 2:30 and end @ 4:45 p.m. There will be a 15 minute break in the middle.

JUNE 21 2008
2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
440 Lafayette
Studio 4F

$40 prepaid $55 at the door

http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Zambra Mora DVD?

Zafira — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:06:13 GMT

Might Puella Lunaris ever release a Zambra Mora DVD?
Or re-release her VHS "Zambra Flamenco" on DVD?

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

FAN VEILS - Technique and Combinations - Workshop with Tanna

Venus Uprising — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:16:44 GMT

Flirtatious, fiery and just plain fun, fans and fan veils can add a wonderful accent to your fusion and fantasy performances. Using both regular folding fans and fan veils, Tanna will teach techniques and tips for successful fan handling.

Please bring 2 folding fans and 2 fan veils. A limited number of fans and fan veils will be available for practice. If you've been curious about fanveils and want to try before you buy - here is your opportunity!

440 Lafayette between Astor Place and 4th Street in Studio 4F. This spacious room features a marley floor: NO hard sole or black sole shoes are permitted.
The studio will open at 2:15 p.m., and workshops will start promptly at 2:30 and end @ 4:45 p.m. There will be a 15 minute break in the middle.

JUNE 21 2008
2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
440 Lafayette
Studio 4F

$40 prepaid $55 at the door

http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

"Luscious - The Bellydance Workout" - trailer

neonissima — Sun, 04 May 2008 01:48:24 GMT

Dear ones, here is a trailer for one of our upcoming releases - "Luscious - The Bellydance Workout" (May) - Blanca, Sarah Skinner, Neon.
Level - beginner (with intermediate elements). And here is the formal description of the program:

Lavish and overflowing with deep, rich, feminine movement, “Luscious: The Bellydance Workout” is made of 100% of bellydance moves and steps. It is gentle, but it will work your body to enhance your muscle tone, flexibility, and fluidity, and promote weight loss. With a special focus on muscle conditioning and elongation, the program works each group of muscles deeply - using carefully built combinations to switch between muscle groups and add intensity to the workout.
“Luscious: The Bellydance Workout” features gorgeous music and a beautiful flow undiluted by conventional exercises. Systematically addressing each group of muscles to deliver a total body workout, it creates an entertaining and aesthetically fulfilling dance experience inspiring you to do your best in executing each move with the proper depth, range of motion, and articulation.

A true dance experience as much as a fitness experience, “Luscious” is beginner level, but it offers you a perspective of challenge and growth. The workout consists of 7 sections, each building consistently upon the dance vocabulary covered in the previous sections through its own series of combinations. The combinations include classic bellydance transitions between steps to help you create the muscle memory to ingrain dance in your body.

“Luscious” is an "instructional workout." It introduces the dance vocabulary in a careful, systematic way and contains an extensive tutorial section breaking down each move used in the workout.

If this is one of your first steps in bellydance, this program will be a fun introduction to all the basic groups of bellydance moves and transitions. If you are a dancer, it’s a great way to practice the core of the bellydance technique and vocabulary through functional drills performed in the context of dance combinations and transitions creating an extra layer of muscle memory that isolated drills do not provide.

Workout duration - 45 min.

Tutorial section - 50 min.

The Circles section explores circular bellydance moves. It follows a slow-to-moderate tempo, working both the lower and upper body through isolations.

Next is the Infinity Loops section. Together with the stretching and toning impact of every move in this section, infinity loops are the ultimate exercise in fluidity.

Undulations maintain flexibiilty of your spine and help develop deep awareness of your core. They are also a challenging full-body muscle-conditioning exercise.

The bellydance hipwork section exercises your thighs, glutes, and abdominal muscles. In the Hip Accents section we’ll perform traditional bellydance hip moves and then weave them together with the fluid movements: circles, infinity loops and undulations. Hipwork is what gives bellydance such vibrancy and party appeal - these steps look great on any dance floor.

The Shimmy - that effortless shaking of the hips - is actually hard work! Join us to shake your way through a few styles of shimmy, and enjoy the wide range of shimmy flavors.

The Body Line section is built of moves involving your total body. It shifts focus from working individual body parts to dance steps that offer the most stretching and give you a dancerly posture and carriage.

The last section is a short dance routine choreographed entirely of the bellydance moves featured in the workout.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 5 replies

Sarah's New DVD

Sun, 04 May 2008 06:31:56 GMT

So what is the down low on that DVD it has a really short description but it sounds like it might be a performance DVD...but I'm not sure. Thanks! And I can't wait to get my Lucisous DVD! You make really great products for a great price! It really gets my dance skills going between classes. My teachers have taken a notice of my progression.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

CULT OF MYTH - photos

neonissima — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:05:22 GMT

Dear friends, thanks to each of you who joined us for the CULT OF MYTH - A Fantasy Bellydance Concert NYC April 25 & 26 presented by Venus Uprising!!
The house was sold out on both days.
Thank you for helping us make this event such a success!

Here are some pictures from the show and Saturday's reception:

http://www.venusuprising.com/events/cult_of_myth.htm
http://www.venusuprising.com/events/cult-of-myth-reception.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

"Ballydance Show Basics" DVD Trailer + music

neonissima — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:40:30 GMT

Dear friends, here is a link to a YouTube trailer for our upcoming April DVD release - "Bellydance Show Basics for Beginners" with Tanna Valentine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StGg7UKr-lE

We are also releasing a CD featuring music from "Bellydance Show Basics" ( and more!): "Bellydance New York with Amir Naoum" is available for preorder at Amazon.com, and you can now purchase each individual track from the album on both, Amazon (as an mp3 download) and ITunes.

The "Bellydance New York" music is traditional bellydance favorites, beautifully arranged and recorded by two brilliant NYC artists - Amir Naoum Chehade (you may know him from the "Doumbek Technique and Rhythms" DVD) and Elias Sarkar. Please check out their work!

Here is a description of the "Bellydance Show Basics":

Bellydance Show Basics is a 3-hour instructional program that will introduce you to the full set of skills needed to perform a classic bellydance show. The program includes breakdown and practice of the basic bellydance vocabulary of steps, but the main focus is on learning how to put the show together and make it great. Tanna Valentine, a New York-based star bellydance performer and instructor, suggests structure, music, and ways of expression that will work best to create your own show as a glamorous and memorable experience for a special occasion or as a gift to your friends.
A classic bellydance show in the American Cabaret tradition consists of 6 parts: entrance, veil dance, party dance, ciftetelli with or without floorwork, drum solo, and finale. While a typical show lasts about 20 minutes, Tanna offers a 6-minute mini-show for practice and performance on special occasions.

The music of Bellydance Show Basics is by New York s favorite Middle Eastern band leader and master Arabic percussion instructor Amir Naoum Chehade. It can be downloaded from iTunes or purchased on Amir s CD Bellydance New York. Together with the 6-minute mini-show, Amir s CD contains the full-length versions of each song used in the show, as well as other bellydance favorites you can use to improve your skills - or expand the mini-show into a full-length professional performance.

In a Concept section for each of the 6 parts of the classic show, Tanna Valentine explains the mood, the expectations of the audience, the image the dancer may seek to create, the ways she can project her energy, and interact with and manage her audience. Tanna teaches how to differentiate each part of the show through expression and dance vocabulary, and delves into the logistics of each segment, giving you the blueprint for a flawless and confident performance.

In the Step-by-step section for each segment of the classic show, Tanna breaks down a number of the steps appropriate for that rhythm and mood. These steps are rehearsed in the Practice sessions. Practice sessions can also be played as one non-stop segment with music and vocal cues or with the music only. The six Choreography sections offer a simple and elegant sequence for each of the six portions of the show. If you would like to practice your performance skills by following Tanna, you can play the choreography sections as one full 6-minute show with music and vocal cues or with music only.

Tanna also offers a rich array of resources to help you create and perform your own show.

Special sections of the program are dedicated to learning the basics of floorwork, and to playing finger cymbals. Staging your show is all about the logistics of performing a bellydance show in a public venue, such as a resturant or lounge, as compared to a performance in your living room.

In the Costuming section Tanna discusses traditional bellydance costuming, explaining the explaining the diversity of possible styles and how to obtain them (accompanied by costume demonstrations), and experiments with creating impromptu bellydance costumes from everyday items found in her closet.

In the Makeup section Tanna is joined by her makeup model, New York bellydancer Mary. Tanna demonstrates dance makeup application from foundation to the decorative elements such as rhinestones applied to the corners of the eyes. The demonstration offers meticulous step-by-step makeup instruction.

In the Performance variations section Tanna improvises to the music of the bellydance mini-show, demonstrating alternative steps, patterns and modes of expression.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 9 replies

Reminder: Dance of the Fire Bird - a Fantasy Wings Workshop with Ayshe

Venus Uprising — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:23:15 GMT

Dance of the Fire Bird - a Fantasy Wings Workshop

Sunday May 4, 2008, 1:30- 4:00 PM
Dance Forum, 20 East 17th st. #2 (second floor) NYC

intermediate, 2 hrs 30 min.
$45 prepaid
$60 at the door
info: 212-564-5529
ayshedancer@gmail.com

PREPAY:
http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops/

A favorite Russian fairy tale, the firebird was a mysterious bird whose feathers brought good luck and renewed life. Danced to the music of "Strange Flesh," Ayshe will teach her solo composition from the Venus Uprising Spring Show.

CLASS BREAKDOWN:
class breakdown:
1:30-2:30--warm-up and wings technique
2:30-2:40-- short break
2:40-4:00--choreography
LEVEL--intermediate/advanced

WHAT TO BRING:
--LUNCH OR SNACK
--KNEE PADS
--WINGS (there will be 6 sets of practice wings available for those without wings, but this amount is limited so try to bring your own)
--PAPER AND PEN TO TAKE NOTES
--CAMCORDER TO FILM BREAKDOWN OF CHOREOGRAPHY

DVD BREAKDOWN OF CHOREOGRAPHY WILL BE FILMED AND SOLD FOR NOMINAL FEE TO COVER SHIPPING AND SUPPLIES (ABOUT $3)

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Classes in NYC?

romdeussen — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:30:20 GMT

I'm probably going to be on the East Coast a few days in July--are there any classes taught by the WDNY instructors (Neon, Blanca, etc.) on a weekly basis that allow drop ins? I may even have to treat myself to meeting with Elsa to have her design me a costume! ;)

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 5 replies

Thank you from Shakra!

bronwen — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:26:46 GMT

Thank you for such a wonderful weekend! We truly had a blast. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you again. We can't wait to see how it all turns out!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

CULT OF MYTH - SOLD OUT

neonissima — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:12:37 GMT

Dear friends, for those of you in NYC -- both nights of this week's Venus Uprising show "Cult of Myth" are sold out.
If you are attending the show, please come on time -- because of the sold-out status, the seats unclaimed by 7:50 will be released.
Many many thanks from all of us for your interest and support!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

So I think.....

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:32:45 GMT

Sarah should do a full blown costuming DVD. No Dancing just costuming. I think that would really help a lot of dancers. I know she has a mini workshop on her Turkish DVD but I'd love to a DVD just devoted to tips and tricks. What do you think?

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

Cult of Myth - Program!

Venus Uprising — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:03:39 GMT

Dears,
Here's the program for Cult of Myth!
We look forward to seeing you there AND have a glass of wine with you at the reception after the show...

Cult Of Myth - a Fantasy Bellydance Concert
Friday, April 25 through Saturday, April 26, 2008
8:00 PM
DNA Theater
280 Broadway, 2nd Floor
(entrance on Chambers)
New York, NY 10007

:: Autumn Ward - "Atlantis" (group: Amantha May, Danyel Jones, Erica Young, Lissa Michalak, Victoria LaCerra)
:: Sira - "The Mermaid's Tears"
:: Tanna Valentine - "Amaterasu"
:: Blanca - "Persephone"
:: Sherene "Tzigane"
:: Sarah Skinner - "Salome's Sin" (group: Kazja, Tava, Sherene, Patricia, Kelly Wasilishen, Tanya Michaca)
:: Tempest - "Cthulu Waits Dreaming...No More"
:: Blanca - "Nymph"
:: LaUra "Monna LaUra"
:: Ayshe - "Firebird"
:: Rayhana - "Aphrodite" (group: Sirrah Nur, Elena Kirsanova, Miyoko Satoh, Nana Masuda, Kai Wen, Tanya Michaca, Christina Boughal, Jennifer Bowen, Patricia, Enzina)
:: Neon - "Swan Maiden"
:: Jeniviva - "Bastet"
:: Andrea Anwar - "Enchantress of Bioluminosity"
:: Irina - "The Call of an Amazon Warrior"
:: LaUra and Bellytrance - "Deja Vu" (group: Susanna, Zobeida, Indira and Fatima - Friday only)
:: LaUra and Zobeida - "Mantis Speculum" (Saturday only)
:: Darshan - "Blessing of the Full Moon"
:: Ayshe and Zobeida - "Emergent"
:: Sira and Sarah Skinner - "Butterfly and Flower Sprite"

Tickets:
https://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=CUL16

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Lady M's DVD?

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:51:51 GMT

When is her DVD is expected to be out? I heard from the grapevine she is making a Belly Dance DVD. I'm super excited about it! Haha I wanna pre-order it!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

Wow - Blanca preview on YouTube

Petra — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:46:20 GMT

I just got a new laptop that doesn't crash when I try to watch videos....so I have been making up for lost time and spending hours on YouTube watching dance vids!
Last night I watched the preview of Blanca's Sensual Bellydance DVD, and WOW. Just...wow. Her words somehow struck a chord in me and I suddenlt felt very emotional because what she said about sensuality really resonated for me. So...thank you. I am definitely going to be getting that DVD to explore my dance further and on a deeper, more personal lever of expression.
The previews of the Fantasy BD DVD's also look amazing....they're next on my list.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

Future solo/collaborative projects Blanca, Jehan,...

dina — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:58:39 GMT

Hello Neon,

when seein Sarah Skinner and Jenna have had several instructional dvds coming out lately, I was wonderin whether another solo project by Blanca is planned? Her Sensual Bellydance is maybe my favourite so far from the WDNY series..
would be great to have another one with her.
Also, is something planned with Jehan maybe?
Would be great too.
And do you have ideas for your own next instructionals? :)))

I cant wait. :D

Though I imagine with the current projects, and the Fantasy performance project, there are probably no further surprises planned for us this year, are they?
best regards from Europe,
Dina

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Fantasy Bellydance DVDs - Instructional series - WDNY

neonissima — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:52:53 GMT

Dear friends, in March (March 25) World Dancce New York (http://www.worlddancenewyork.com) is releasing 3 instructional dvds from our upcoming Fantasy Bellydance series - I will post more information as soon as I have detailed descriptions of each program.

I've uploaded the DVD covers to our Tribe album and here is a brief overview:

Each DVD teaches 3 dances by 3 instructors - a mix of classic bellydance, fusion, Tribal , and Gothic.
The level is intermediate-advanced.
The dances conjure up evocative archetypal images, and focus on story-telling through dance.
Along with a performance cut, demonstration and break down of each choreography, there are various additional features in each instructor's section - such as tips on props use (hand veils, sword, Isis wings), expression and projection, creating sacred space for dance, treating dance as a personal ritual, dance as an inward journey, and other.)

1. FANTASY BELLYDANCE: MYSTERY - transformation, secret realms, illusive mystery with a dark edge:
Dance 1: Serpent (Neon)
Dance 2: Shadow - Tribal (Sera)
Dance 3: Phoenix (wings of Isis) (Ayshe )

2. FANTASY BELLYDANCE: DESIRE - sensuality, passion, enticement, goddess:
Dance 1: Nymph (Blanca)
Dance 2: Salome - Tribal (Naraya)
Dance 3: Temple Priestess - Tribal (Darshan)

3. FANTASY BELLYDANCE: MAGIC - regal presence, secret knowledge, powerful spell
Dance 1: Enchantress - (Autumn Ward)
Dance 2: Warrior Princess (sword) - (Isidora Bushkovski )
Dance 3: Kali /Creator-Destroyer- Tribal-Gothic (Ariellah)

Please save a corner in your heart for this amazing series!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 14 replies

Industrial Strength Workout

Helen — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:13:54 GMT

Will this be bellydance moves like the beginner one you commented on or an ordinary workout that complements bellydance? Is it a tribal workout? Oh, and will we be really, really tired when we're done?

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 6 replies

ZILS TECHNIQUE workshop with ELSA LEANDROS, Apr.5 NYC - X-post

Venus Uprising — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:00:14 GMT

Venus Uprising presents: ZILS TECHNIQUE workshop with ELSA LEANDROS! - NYC, April 5

This workshop will cover the foundations of using zils (finger cymbals) in the various bellydance rhythms used in performance: baladi, saidi, maksoum, masmoudi, ciftetelli, and karsilama (9/8). Elsa will offer tips and shortcuts to learn how to play zils in a unique, rhythmic and professional way. You will learn how to switch from just using mostly one leading hand, which inhibits the speed needed for the latest Arabic pop, fusion and Turkish gypsy music, to using both hands in an equal, balanced manner. This process will be easy, logical, and fun!
Once each rhythm is completely understood, and felt to the point that your hands have developed some muscle memory, Elsa will then demonstrate a sequence of steps and hand and arm movements to develop coordination between zil playing and dancing.
By the end of this workshop you will have enough information and practice that will set you on your way to becoming an excellent zil playing bellydancer.

Saturday, April 5th, 2008
12:30 pm - 2:45 pm; registration 12:15 p.m.
440 Studios, 440 Lafayette, Studio 4F.
$40 prepaid/$55 at the door, space permitting
Purchase with PayPal http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops

FUTURE VENUS UPRISING WORKSHOPS:
May 4 : Fantasy Wings with Ayshe
June 21: Fans and Fanveils with Tanna Valentine

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Luscious workout for beginners

dina — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:45:26 GMT

hi neon!!
first of all i m quite of a beginner to "trully" learning the dance, even though i ve longer been exposed to it than probably most American beginners.
well, it s great you give the opportunity to chat with you :)) amazing for a celebrity dancer :D

so, i ve recently ordered your beginners program, the fitness dvd set, and the ultimate workout. the latter i fear is too difficult for me judging from the amazon reviews. i am currently working with jenna s basics and am very content with it!!
well, i see on your website you ll be doing this workout for beginners.

can you tell some more on it? is it going to be easy, but "real" bellydance movements? would it be on the level of your instant bellydancer set?

thanks, bailshoje spaisiba ;)
dina

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 6 replies

Venus Uprising presents: Zils Technique Workshop with Elsa Leandros - April 5 NYC

Venus Uprising — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:18:56 GMT

Bellydance has come a long way in the last several years. Technique, choreography, and overall artistic expression are reaching new heights. Elsa Leandros bellydance with zils is the new breakthrough technique that takes zil playing to the next level.
This workshop will cover the foundations of using zils (finger cymbals) in the various bellydance rhythms used in performance: baladi, saidi, maksoum, masmoudi, ciftetelli, and karsilama (9/8). Elsa will offer tips and shortcuts to learn how to play zils in a unique, rhythmic and professional way. You will learn how to switch from just using mostly one leading hand, which inhibits the speed needed for the latest Arabic pop, fusion and Turkish gypsy music, to using both hands in an equal, balanced manner. This process will be easy, logical, and fun!
Once each rhythm is completely understood, and felt to the point that your hands have developed some muscle memory, Elsa will then demonstrate a sequence of steps and hand and arm movements to develop coordination between zil playing and dancing.
By the end of this workshop you will have enough information and practice that will set you on your way to becoming an excellent zil playing bellydancer.

Venus Uprising presents:
ZILS TECHNIQUE Workshop
with Elsa Leandros

APR. 5 2008
12:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
440 Lafayette
Studio 4F

Zills Technique
intermediate level
$40 prepaid $55 at the door

440 Lafayette between Astor Place and 4th Street in Studio 4F.
This spacious room features a marley floor: NO hard sole or black sole shoes are permitted.
The studio will open at 12:15 p.m., and workshops will start promptly at 12:30 and end @ 2:45 p.m.
There will be a 15 minute break in the middle.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Venus Uprising presents: Drum Solo Workshop with Blanca and Carmine - NYC March 29

Venus Uprising — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:16:37 GMT

The drum solo is the climax of any belly dance show.
In this workshop you will:

- Demystify the basic Middle Eastern rhythms and get familiar with their particular feel.
- Learn to play and feel the rhythm.
- Learn to respond to the drum with your body, using it as an instrument.
- Learn groups of movements and accents that suit the rhythms.
- Learn the art of keeping a balance between high energy and poise.
- Learn to improvise and communicate with the drummer when dancing to a live drum solo.
- This workshop will also greatly improve your musicality, improvisation skills and showmanship for all other types of bellydance music and shows.

* If you have a doumbek, please bring it with you to the workshop.

Venus Uprising presents
DRUM SOLO: TECHNIQUE, MUSICALITY & SHOWMANSHIP
with BLANCA AND CARMINE

Saturday March 29, 2008 - 12:30 - 3:45 pm
440 Studios - 440 Lafayette - Studio 4F - NYC
$55 prepaid / $70 door

440 Lafayette between Astor Place and 4th Street in Studio 4F.
This spacious room features a marley floor: NO hard sole or black sole shoes are permitted.
The studio will open at 12:15 p.m., and workshops will start promptly at 12:30 and end @ 3:45 p.m.
There will be a 15 minute break in the middle.

Read more and register:
venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Jenna - The Next Level

SLK — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:52:09 GMT

(claps hands) have to say WDNY have done it again. This is exactly the kind of dvd we need. Clear visuals and instructions, detailed breakdown, drills, great combos and I especially love the oriental choreography. Seriously don't know how you do it for the cost/content.

Thank you Neon/Jenna

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

More Tempest please!!!

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:53:02 GMT

I am surprised that so far no other Tempest DVD has surfaced from WDNY. She's a fantastic teacher and her information and concepts are invaluable. She helped me break through some dance blockages. So what are we waiting for? More Tempest please!!!!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 8 replies

DVD review: Flamenco You Can Do It! Sevillanas, by Puela Lunaris

Atisheh — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:11:37 GMT

I finally had a chance to watch through this DVD, and was so excited by it that I had to post this review on Amazon. I know this is pretty long after the release, but I'm hoping others find it useful as well.

====

I became interested in Puela Lunaris's DVDs through World Dance New York, which is better known for its bellydance instructional videos. And while Lunaris has done work on the Zambra (the style of flamenco most closely associated with oriental dance) it is important to note that this video has nothing whatsoever to do with bellydance. In fact, the sevillanas are not even flamenco. They are an old, very strictly structured Spanish social dance which is sometimes performed in flamenco shows, but is also done socially in Spain. This DVD not only introduces the dance, but does an excellent job at showing how it can be performed alone, in a pair in a relaxed, social manner, and in a more showy performance style with fans.

The good:
As much as I generally do not like choreographies, this is the dance for them, since every sevillana is the same. The first choreo section is an extremely lengthy breakdown of all the movements necessary for all four sections of the sevillana dance. Lunaris is painstaking in demonstrating the steps, repeating them many times over, and then adding arms. There is instruction on posture, arm movement and placement, arm variations, the different styles of hand floreos.

Lunaris often also shows variations that can be introduced, not in the steps per se, but in the upper body styling or arm movements. This is where the dancer can express his or her individuality, since the steps are fixed. She also briefly describes how men's arm and handwork differs from women's.

In the second choreography, Lunaris has mini workshops on fanwork and on dancing with a partner, and runs through the entire choreography again using the fan. She uses her partner to show not only how dancers move around each other during the sevillana, but also more stylistic variations.

It should be clear by now that this DVD is a treasure, an absolute treasure. I am currently taking beginner flamenco classes and learning the sevillana as part of these. They are quite complicated, at least at first, and any online reference material has not been very good at explaining the dance part of it. To have a DVD at this price not only run down the entire choreography but also show variations is truly exquisite. The two performances at the end are an extra treat.

The bad:

As well-organized as WDNY DVDs generally are, I find myself wishing for more, especially when it comes to Lunaris' videos. The current organization allows you to watch a demonstration at full-speed with music, then have a lengthy breakdown, then have choreography and practice with music. This is great, but it bothers me that some of the basics of the dance, like how to do floreos for example, are hidden away in a long choreography, with no way to guess at where they might be. There should be an easy way to jump to the descriptions of a few basic techniques, if not have them in a different section altogether.

More specifically to this DVD, since the sevillana is such a repetitive dance, all of the instruction would make much more sense if the dance were broken down in table form and available as a screen or even for printing. It would make the choreography much easier to learn.

(These two points are the only reason I took off a star, and if I could only have taken off half, I would have!)

How to use this video:

First, watch the first choreography all the way through. Just watch it. Watch the performances to see how it all fits together. Then start doing it, but take it slowly. In a normal class, this is material covered over months -- the fact that it is all on one DVD makes this video valuable, but it is also unrealistic to expect to learn it quickly. Just focus on the feet at first, and only later practice adding the arms, and then, slowly, the hands.

That said, the sevillana is more approachable than flamenco dance. I.e., it's easier to look good dancing the sevillana. Lunaris' is a great introduction for those with no experience of it, and a wonderful reference work for those who are learning it in a live class. She has a charming on-screen persona, and she is careful to give you a sense of the culture, attitude, and context of the dance as well, so you understand the spirit as well as the movements. If you are willing to practice a little, you will not regret buying this video.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 9 replies

Egyptian!

Atisheh — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:56:04 GMT

Any news on the Ranya Renee DVDs? I'm so curious!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 3 replies

Asharah's Modern Tribal Bellydance DVD...

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:52:16 GMT

Buy it. Buy it now. You will lurve her as I do. The Desarian kidnapping tour to D.C. will commence shortly. Fantastic instruction. Faboo moves.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

DVD Review: Blanca's Sensual Belly Dance (long - eek!)

mishakitty78 — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:19:11 GMT

Does “Sensual Belly Dance” sound like a cringe-worthy work? I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first saw the package. But Blanca does a great job of explaining her take on “sensuality” without leaving her viewer feeling uncomfortable or coming across as too silly herself. Blanca explains that sensuality is about communicating what you’re feeling to others and, of course, this works great for a dancer. She shares her ideas of translating one’s inner feelings into a body language viewable by the audience. She describes the use of sensuality as a way to “add a flair of sensual grace and ease to your dance” and speaks about the flow and pacing of one’s performance. Her ideas of really utilizing emotion and storytelling during dancer are not often covered in instructional works and are wonderful to see presented here to a wider viewing audience.

After this intriguing introduction the DVD package offers viewers a little bit of everything from technical tips to improvisational ideas to polishing ones performances. First come two different “Flow” sections, one on technique and one based on simply dancing. Then Blanca presents a short choreography. There’s a demo, a breakdown, and you can even choose to focus on just one part of the practice such as lower or upper body. Next Blanca provides a selection of clips demonstrating a variety of poses, providing watchers with numerous ideas they could add into their own repertoire. And there’s also an additional invaluable resource where Blanca explains the idea of telling a story with dance. This is wonderful for performers seeking a way to give their performance extra “oomph” and also nice for those dancers just beginning to seek the stage lights.

As for the “meat” of the DVD, here’s a bit of info on the Flow sections:

“Fluidity Warmup:” From the very beginning of her “Fluidity Warmup,” Blanca begins to introduce her concept of “sensuality in dance.” The gentle warmup and stretches include some very nice arm work as Blanca explains how to do each stretch in a “sensual” manner, that is with impact and purpose. While Blanca moves through the movements quickly she clearly explains the focus of each (lifting the head, bending at the waist, etc). Although each tiny little flourish may not be broken down, an intermediate level dance could easily follow her clear display of movement. In addition to the stretches, Blanca uses the warmup to review a variety of basic movements including hip slides, reverse mayas, hip circles, and single hip work.

“Technique Articulation:” During this section of the DVD, Blanca explains the nuances of the movements she uses in the combinations. This section is also designed to help you work on your articulation for each movement, improving your range of motion, strength, and balance while dancing. These movements are sort of “mini drills” that would work quite nicely for cabaret dancers.

“Technique Shimmy:” Similar to the articulation section, Blanca gives viewers a separate section for shimmy work. Included are very detailed tips for creating a shimmy that is controlled and matching the music as well as breakdowns for the various shimmies and layers she uses later in the program.

“Technique Progressions:” Here Blanca reviews a number of layered traveling steps. Beginning with the footwork, she later adds on arms and additional hip movements.

“Technique Sensual Poses:” This final section is the cool down for the DVD. Blanca dances through the cool down as the viewer follows along, demonstrating several of her unique poses. Each movement (like snake arms, hip circle, etc) is not broken down, but Blanca does explain each pose clearly.

The next part of the DVD is the “Flow” section. This part is divided into the same headings as the “Technique” and provides viewers with the chance to simply dance along with Blanca. For the most part, the material is the same as that which was covered in the technical sections, although there is some additional arm work, but this time it is fluid and presented as dance movement. The DVD has an option to follow the “Flow” without Blanca’s voice-over and with just the music. There is roughly 40 minutes worth of material, here, providing the viewer with what amounts to her or his own personal class in “sensual bellydance.”

The choreography is surprisingly long for a DVD that already has so much information. As mentioned above, the combinations are demonstrated and explained after Blanca performs the full piece. The combos are rather quickly shown but all of the information has already been broken down in the Flow sections. Blanca’s work is a cabaret piece with a lot of emotion and a great practice work for those seeking to learn to put more expression in their dance.

What worked for me:
• I really loved the way Blanca breaks down movements. She uses a lot of visual imagery and creates a clear picture of each move. Blanca even uses some really creative visual aids to impart her ideas.
• Separate technique sections. This was really nice as a dancer could go to each section and just review that particular part (so working on the transition/progressions as opposed to having to go all the way through a choreography like in some other DVDs).
• The pose idea section – it was great to see the different ideas for poses and, also, to see some of them executed in different ways.
• The inclusion of so much information about performing. THANK YOU! So many DVDs now focus on technique, but there are very few that mention performance and even fewer that do both!

What may not work for you:
• If you are not used to opening your stance a bit as you dance you may find some of these movements and combos to be challenging. Blanca’s movements are lush and full, often requiring a fairly open stance in order to really get the look of the move.
• I stress again that this is a DVD for more experienced dancers. A baby belly may become quickly overwhelmed by the speed at which the material is covered. However, there are definitely concepts here that will benefit new dancers, and this is certainly a production that they could “grow into.”
• The red backdrop/lighting. The hues reflecting on Blanca are pretty, but after 40 minutes can make your eyes a bit fuzzy.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 11 replies

BELLYDANCE SWORD WORKSHOPS with Alyra, NYC - Xpost

Venus Uprising — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:10:41 GMT

Please save the dates!

Venus Uprising NYC Presents:
Bellydance Sword Maiden Bootcamp with ALYRA http://www.alyrabellydance.com/

4 WORKSHOP SERIES intermediate, each class is 1 hr 30 min.

FEB.12, 19, 26 & March 4 -- 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Ripley Grier Studio 939 8th Avenue Between 55th and 56th, west side of Street
Studio 3A

Sign up for the entire series: $90 prepaid for 4 classes or $110 at the door

---------------------------

Ready to get serious about sword? Join our very own Alyra for a brisk and challenging 4 part series on Bellydance Swordwomanship.

From Cabaret and Tribal to Balancing and Theatric, this interactive program is specifically targeted for the intermediate and advanced dancer who has decided she’s ready for the sword or wants to brush up on her already existing technique. Get the practice and confidence you need to be both fierce and fabulous!

The first three sessions will be just as the title describes. BOOTCAMP. We’ll be drilling till we drop as we explore the many different applications of sword technique. You’ll enjoy a packed curriculum of standing, multileveled, layered, floor and weaponry techniques (and anything else Alyra conjures up in her sword mania mind.) The last session will be a compilation of combinations that incorporate what you’ve mastered from the previous weeks.

Yes, there will be homework
Yes, you’ll sweat
YES! YOU’RE GOING TO DEVELOP THE HEAD DENT.
And yes, you’ll love it!

Think you’re up for it? Then see you there, SwordMaiden!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

Happy Birthday NEON! :)

brandonoasisdc — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:56:00 GMT

Tag, y'all it! :)

B.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 11 replies

My New Year's Gift to you., Neon and the rest....

romdeussen — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:01:20 GMT

Sorry I hadn't posted this sooner-lost the recipe.

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler Martini
2.5 oz. rhubarb-infused vodka (you may have to do this part yourself)
.5 oz. simple syrup
3 strawberries
dash of lemon juice
graham cracker crumbs

Muddle strawberreis with simply syrup, add voka, shake and strain into a graham cracker rimmed glass.

SOURCE: STK, 26 Little West 12th Street, NY. www.theoneresaturants.com

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Totally Creative NYC

neonissima — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:21:38 GMT

Dear friends, one of our top NYC dance instructors I am privileged to work with, Elsa Leandros, has her own line of bellydance costumes - cabaret, tribal, gothic and fantasy - a very distinct style you will recognize from a lot of our World Dance New York DVDs and Venus Uprising posters. The name of her company is "Totally Creative NYC". You can contact Totally Creative here on Tribe:
http://people.tribe.net/totallycreative
And here is a link to Flickr photo sets featuring spectacular costumes conceptualized and designed by Elsa in recent years:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/totallycreative/
If you are in NYC, make an appointment to see the new Totally Creative collection - in Manhattan, a block from Grand Central.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 3 replies

Hacker Entertainment

neonissima — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:15:56 GMT

Some needy individual keeps me well entertained by continuously hacking my profile. Apologies, if I vanished again from everyone's friends' lists! The hacking experience proved to be exciting and a great opportunity to reconnect with many friends I haven't been in touch with recently; on the other hand befriending me again may be a waste of time!
Apparently some nasty correspondence or postings have been done under my name - my friends list and sent messages are erased, so I can't track what's transpired.

Among funny highlights of the hack were the "compromising" bits of information added to my profile:
gender: "I'd prefer not to say"
age: ranging wildly in both directions
location: "Memphis"
status: "in an open relationship"
gender preference "no preference"
religion: "atheist"
past positions: "whore"

LOL - our hacker must be a kindergarten-grade criminal to waste time on these innocent "insults."

All this to say - please ignore my erratic gender-confused Tribe persona if it shows up at your door with bad behavior!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 9 replies

2 new DVD trailers

neonissima — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 02:03:57 GMT

Dear friends, here are links to two YouTube trailers for our upcoming DVDs (end-of-Jan. releases):
Bellydance - The Next Level with Jenna
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmrdsjYVNYI
and
Modern Tribal Bellydance with Asharah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zERHZz_k7wA
I'll post the detailed DVD program descriptions soon!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 7 replies

WDNY Question

Petra — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:48:18 GMT

Hi Neon,

First, sorry to hear about your continuing hacker issues. :(

OK, my question is ~ Has WDNY ever considered putting together a tour and/or workshops? i.e. a day of workshops followed by a show in major cities - or just wherever you have a sponsor to set up the logistics in the city?

A Fantasy BD tour or a Gothic BD tour or just a BD tour in general with all kinds of BD styles would be very welcome, I would think!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

DVD Review: Bellydance with Zils (Elsa Leandros)

mishakitty78 — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:52:21 GMT

I started learning to play the finger cymbals after I’d been dancing for about a year. I can remember being so frustrated that these tiny musical instruments were so challenging (yet I was determined to learn them as they were so beautiful and such an integral part of Middle Eastern dance). This would have been a great DVD to have back then, as Elsa does a great job of presenting the information so that zil novices can not only understand how to play but can also be comfortable while doing so. She works at speeds that are reasonable and easy to follow, presenting information so that those new to zils are not overwhelmed. This DVD is great for those who’ve never played zils before and for those dancers familiar with doumbek rhythms who would like to learn some new patterns that will complement, but not mimic, the doumbek’s sound.

Here’s what you’ll find on this DVD:

“Bellydance Rhythms: Zils and Doumbek:” The DVD begins with drummers Raquy Danzinger and Brian Carter joining Elsa for a brief introduction to Middle Eastern rhythms. Together, they offer a very educational mini-class on the differences between the various rhythms and they way they are played on doumbek as opposed to zils. For those of us who are used to playing the doumbek rhythm of dums and teks on our zils, this is a great opportunity to understand new ways to play the patterns.

“Tips and Technique:” When a dancer first slips zils onto her (or his!) fingers, they can feel unwheildy and alien. We are taught to move our hands with grace and ease, but the addition of these instruments can quickly lead to frustration as a dancer must now learn to hold them and wear them properly. In the “tips and technique” section of the DVD, Elsa shares some wonderful secrets that will make the addition of zils far less daunting. For the novice dancer, this section is invaluable as Elsa covers everything from how to wear the zils and what type of elastic to use to the different sizes and materials of zils. For finger cymbal veterans, this serves as an excellent refresher course and will definitely have a few new ideas, too. She also explains her technique and philosophy, offering an bit of a different perspective on how to play the finger cymbals. This was a nice addition, as it really helps viewers who are familiar with zils (but new to the idea of switching hands and alternating instead of using a leading hand) to understand the method to the various patterns featured later on the DVD.

Rhythm Sections:
After the Tips and Technique section, the DVD moves on to the instructional portion where viewers will learn how to play a variety of Middle Eastern rhythms using finger cymbals. A total of seven rhythms are covered with variations on many of these standard favorites; patterns to accompany Baladi, Maksoum, Saidi, Ciftitelli Masmoudi, Rumba, and Karsilama are offered.

Elsa first describes the rhythm and often explains a bit about its history and/or use in Middle Eastern music. The rhythm is then broken down according to counts (Baladi Triples, for example, are described as the familiar: 123 123 123) and Elsa demonstrates it very slowly. Viewers have the opportunity to practice along with her, following first to numbers that appear on the screen and then just with her playing. There’s plenty of time to play, too – Elsa doesn’t simply demonstrate and then move on. During each rhythm there is between 2 and 4 minutes of just slow, steady playing to use as practice time. This provides an excellent opportunity to focus just on getting used to the rhythm.

During the various pattern sections Elsa provides several short zil drills. For nearly every rhythm Elsa demonstrates a section for “arms and hands,” simple yet elegant arm movements that can be used with the zil pattern. For those dancers new to finger cymbals, this is an invaluable time to slowly practice the rhythm while integrating movement. It is critical for dancers to not simply sit and play – one must *move* while practicing in order to prepare for dancing while playing and this section will certainly provide both those new to zils and the veterans with drills to accomplish this goal.

There are also demonstrations of “basic steps” for many of the included rhythms. These are meant to simply give viewers an idea of some (of the many) movements that might be performed with the rhythms – the real focus, of course, is on playing the zils and learning the various patterns. The steps are not broken down in too much detail, allowing viewers to focus on the zils and not worry, necessarily, about what is going on with the movement. However, the explanations are clear enough for the viewer to understand each suggestion.

After presenting viewers with the opportunity to practice the patterns with music and then to slowly layer in arms and basic movements, Elsa ups the ante with a series of combinations. The inclusion of the combinations benefits intermediate dancers who, up until this point, may have found the DVD a bit easy. The combinations utilize steps that are a bit more difficult, such as Soheir Zaki drops and traveling hip bumps and pushes with interesting body angles and layers. For each rhythm there are usually at least 2 combinations to try.

“Practice with Music:” Are you ready to just jam with the music? Also included on the DVD is a section of music for each rhythm. From Baladi to Karslima, Elsa has carefully selected a song that viewers can play along with while viewing the pattern (and the accompanying counts for it) on the screen. Nice touches include the inclusion of the title, artist, and album of each song as well as a website vendor for each. A great surprise in this section was the addition of a drum solo by Raquy and Brian Carter which, of course, viewers can play along with or just simply enjoy.

There are also several performances on the DVD. In the first, Elsa dances to an “Arabic mix;” a standard recorded music track. Her zil playing is superb – she really uses the finger cymbals as instruments and it was wonderful to see a dancer perform like that. Listening to her use of zils to interpret and enhance the music will certainly inspire novices and pros alike! The second performance is a lively drum solo with accompaniment by Raquy and Brian. While some may teach that zils should not be played during a drum solo, Elsa does a wonderful job of showing viewers how wonderful the addition of zils at the right time, working along with the drummers, can make a drum solo even more entertaining.

What worked for me:
• I really liked Elsa’s technique of switching hands and playing the zils in a different manner to a drummer’s interpretation of rhythms on a doumbek. The introduction where Raquay played the rhythm on the doumbek, and then Elsa contrasted it with the same rhythm on the zils, was wonderful to see. I found it challenging at first to switch and play in her style, but it was a refreshingly new way to play and a nice style to add to my repertoire.
• Elsa jumps right in to help students become comfortable moving while playing zils. It was wonderful to see the inclusion of different moves for each pattern. While she recommends students first familiarize themselves with just playing, Elsa spends a great deal of time demonstrating how students can work their way up from playing, to playing while moving just the arms, and then incorporating a full repertoire of movements while zilling.
• The practice with music section was great – I loved being able to play along while having the pattern on the screen in case I forgot where I was with it!
• I have to say I was really, really impressed with Elsa’s performance. Regardless of whether or not you like her style of dancing, her zil playing is absolutely superb. Not only can she play incredibly fast and complicated rhythms cleanly but she actually uses the finger cymbals as instruments and plays to compliment and interpret the music as opposed to simply playing along or repeating a memorized rhythm.
• This DVD was a FABULOUS production! The overall look of the DVD’s menus was just beautiful. WDNY has added lovely transitions from the main menu to the various sections, too.

What might not work for you:
• Elsa’s style of playing without a leading hand might take a bit of time to get used to. If you’re just starting with the zils, however, you should be able to pick it up fairly quickly. If you’re used to always beginning with a certain hand this might not work for you.
• This is not a “rhythm” type video, exactly – while Middle Eastern rhythms are indeed covered on the DVD they are not broken down into great deal. There is no in-depth explanation, here, of “dums” and “teks” beyond a very basic introduction. It is intended for dancers who are going to play zils while dancing who may not need to know the drum pattern breakdown or want to play a contrasting pattern to that which is being played upon the drum. The rhythms on the zils are explained in terms of counts so if you’re looking for a video that describes rhythms in more detail you may need to look elsewhere.
• The steps used in the combinations assume a familiarity with basic belly dance movements. Elsa does not always go into a great amount of detail with these steps, too, although they are clearly demonstrated.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 3 replies

Bellydance - The Next Level

Rondah — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:02:43 GMT

Hi Neon,
I wanted to see when this is going to be released? Also, are there any previews on youtube? Thanks! Her other two dvd's are wonderful and I'm really looking forward to an advanced instructional dvd.
Thanks!
Rhonda

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 4 replies

Profile problem

neonissima — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:53:34 GMT

Dear friends, I fell prey to either a Tribe malfunction or a minor hate act: my profile got erased and then restored with someone else's info.
I got it back but all my profile content and friends list are gone - if I suddenly vanished from your Tribe friends, please re-befriend me!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 7 replies

new DVD designs by WDNY

Czarina — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:20:56 GMT

I just want to say how much I LOVE the new boxcover designs, and also the interface designs.
the menus on the last DVD i got (zills w/Elsa) are so juicy and pretty!

I'm hoping to write several long-overdue reviews when I get done with my semester, but I swear these products just keep gettng better.
My recent favorites are the Gothic performance and Ariellah's yoga drills. (I'd like to comment on Blanca's video too, except that the day I got it, one of my friends grabbed it and ran off squealing, so I never got to watch the whole thing..)

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

You Should have SEEN Neon last night...

Gia-al-Qamar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:46:06 GMT

Boy do I ever feel sorry for those of you out of the NYC area...and boy...those of you who live here who DON'T attend these shows...do you ever miss out!!!
Rayhana's Rock & Roll & Alternative show was last night and Neon was spectacular. Dressed in a gorgeous one of a kind bedleh, she undulated and pulsed through a gorgeous piece of fusion (?) music that was just mesmirizing...she looked like a candle's flame...
BRAVA!!!
Gia

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Bellydance with Zils DVD with Elsa Leandros & Raquy

neonissima — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:55:33 GMT

Here is a link to a brand-new YouTube trailer for an upcoming DVD by Elsa Leadros and Raquy Danziger - "Bellydance with Zils":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNicHZZ0Vdk
The trailer has a few clips from the instructional sections of the DVD and Elsa's performance to a drum solo by Raquy and Brian Carter.

The DVD first presents 7 rhythms as interpreted on the doumbek and zils, then Elsa breaks down each rhythm, shows basic patterns and, for some rhythms, variations, and offers exercises for each rhythm:
- playing the rhythm with count and with music
- practicing arm movements
- a few steps and combinations - practice with and w/o music

There is a special section in the DVD menus that allows you to play the music Elsa selected for exercises, so that you can practice on your own.

If you are into zils, I highly recommend trying Elsa's technique which is based on alternating hands as opposed to leading with one hand. Some of the best zill playing dancers in NY are Elsa's students. Although her technique comes from a long tradition, I haven't seen it taught outside of NY.
In addition to her zils expertise, Elsa is an amazing choreographer with an incredible dance vocabulary. She develops choreographies for top NY dancers (some of her choreographies won cometitions.)
If you are in NY, Elsa is available for private instruction, and she also teaches zils in group classes. And, of course, she'll be happy to do a workshop.
The DVD will start shipping at the end of November.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 6 replies

Sarah Skinner - trailer for "Bellydance with Veil" DVD - Dec.07

neonissima — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 02:49:43 GMT

Greetings dear friends!
Please incline your discriminating ear and eye toward this preview of Sarah Skinner's upcoming DVD - "Bellydance with Veil" coming out in Dec.07!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imDyqWfJO88

Below is the description of the program: Let me know if you would like a copy to review and thank you for your time!

----------------------------------------------
Veil dance is one of the most glamorous and visually stunning genres of bellydance. Its expressive language conveys a wide range of moods - mysterious, romantic, celebratory, spiritual, meditative... Bellydance with Veil, created by New York City bellydance star Sarah Skinner, is an instructional open-level program teaching the technique of veil dance from the basics of veil manipulation to the nuances of carriage, body lines, and tips for achieving an effortless, flawless performance.
Sarah s Veil Technique section is designed as both, a learning and reference tool: Veil dance moves are arranged in functional categories:

1. Hand and arm positions; body lines

2. Veil dance entrances and wraps

3. Turns - traveling and in place

4. Veil cascades and waterfalls

5. Traveling steps

6. Veil twists and switches

7. Veil dance endings

8. Mishap recovery

Each veil move is broken down step-by-step and practiced with music. Within each category a number of steps are assembled into a combination ready to use in your veil dance.

In the Choreography section Sarah demonstrates and teaches a full veil dance choreography incorporating the moves presented in the technique section. She provides tips for expression and adapting the choreography to one s individual style.

A special section in the program is devoted to veil selection and logistics: Sarah goes over types, textures, sources, and qualities of veil fabric, explains the correlation between veil length and fabric weight, and discusses veil shapes, edge trims, and the aesthetics of veil dance as these relate to fabric weight and transparency. Illustrating every point with her amazing selection of veils, Sarah tests each for its qualities in floating, filling with air, sheerness, and ease of manipulation.

Sarah s own style of veil dance is uniquely lyrical, sophisticated, and distinctive in its effortless elegance of execution. Sarah believes that veil tricks and methods of mishap recovery are an important gateway technique. Once mastered, this knowledge will take you to a new level of freedom in interacting with the veil, and create flawlessness and individuality of style through intuitive blending of diverse veil patterns and steps.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Full Moon at CoSM - Passing the Torch

redheadstepkid — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:47:49 GMT

For the last 3 and a half years, Mz. imani has facilitated the Drum and Dance at CoSM's Full Moon Celebrations. She has chosen to step back to 4 times a year, because she has been called by the elders to study and her students to teach. Her other plans include music, writing, and spending more time with her husband as they move to Baltimore.

Kiana Love and I are stepping up to coordinate the team that will help to hold the logistic and energetic needs of the Full Moon Drum and Dance. We're looking for people who are familiar with the Full Moon Drum and Dance, and the spiritual traditions of this community. Please come early to help co-create the space, and/or maintain it through the night. We're also looking for enthusiastic drummers and dancers who can uphold the joyous rhythms and ecstatic movement that the Full Moon at CoSM has become known for.

If you have participated in Full Moon before, on any level, we welcome you back. If you have never been to Full Moon, we invite you to join us.

Free admission for those who are willing to help with set up and take down.

Namaste,

http://people.tribe.net/redheadstepkid
http://people.tribe.net/kakini

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

Special request (because it's all about making me happy)

Atisheh — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:39:53 GMT

Ok, here's what I would love to see WDNY do. A Bollywood instructional video. But, you know, one that would be done the Neon way, with that meticulous organization and eye for detail. Not a workout, not a bhangra video with "Bollywood" put in the title, but actual moves taken from real movies and broken down into steps, hand positions/mudras, hip/torso articulation, principles of movement. And done by someone who knows their stuff.

I guess Bollywood dance hasn't really caught on here yet the same way it has in Europe, but it's only a matter of time.

Pretty please?

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 7 replies

What DVD's Would You Like WDNY to Produce?

SLK — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:47:32 GMT

Following on from a couple of discussions regarding what areas of dance we would to see on dvd -ta-da! Here's a thread to post them in.

Perhaps recommend an instructor whom you think delivers the topic well, or a reason why you would recommend them? (I think it might actually reflect where our own dance is now or heading).

I'll go first - Sword! Yep you can balance it on your head/chest/leg/shoulder, dance about a bit with it. I can't remember seeing a good sword dvd. There must be more to this prop!

Travelling footwork & layers. For improvers & up. I'm guessing most people can execute walking while doing a shoulder shimmy? How about travelling on demi-pointe rear leg leading on the beat with a tack on the back, shimmy on the front etc. Lots of variations & fun with that one :-)

Would anyone be interested in ballet? Either as a workout (NYballet workout sold well & was a good workout) or for building strong and graceful arm lines, legs?

Anyone else?

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 27 replies

Here's a though: music instructionals?

aziyade — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:14:16 GMT

I have no idea if the market is big enough to warrant this, but I sure would like to see dvds on the following subjects:

1. How to play the NEY that you bought ten years ago and is now collecting dust in your closet.

2. Getting the MIZMAR out of the trash and learning to make a sound with it.

I KNOW I'm not the only person (cause I've talked to others) who bought a ney and has yet to make it play more than one note.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

HYBRID: SONGS FOR KASSAR tomorrow at Galapagos

Venus Uprising — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 23:26:24 GMT

Come enjoy energetic and innovative HYBRID show this Friday, November 2nd.
If you need any convincing, check out p. 40 in this week's Village Voice (the paper issue includes a great photo), read it online at
http://www.villagevoice.com/nycguide/?timeend=week -- the Voice Choices section features HYBRID as one of the top events for Friday.

HYBRID: Songs For Kassar
A forum for new evolutions in contemporary global performance
Friday November 2nd at 7:30pm
Galapagos Art Space
70 N 6th St. (btw. Wythe & Kent) Williamsburg, Brooklyn
$15 at the door

HYBRID is a performance series featuring artists who explore new forms and fusions from ancient and contemporary sources. Dancers and musicians sample ethnic and electronic elements -- from India to the Balkans, North Africa to Brooklyn – and remix them into a moving collage across cultures.

This month we celebrate the release of a CD and two DVDs that feature the work of HYBRID resident artist Pete List. Pete's new CD Songs for Kassar includes songs written for Kassar's DVD Fluid Precision:Tribal Bellydance and Blanca's DVD Sensual Bellydance.

Several artists featured on the CD will be appearing live, including:
...Pete List
...Kassar: Melanie Wood and Karin Hein-Parks
...Blanca
...Sarah Johansson Locke and Irina Akulenko of Alchemy Dance Theater
...Rob Mastrianni
...Julianne Carney
...Tbird Luv
...Melissa Kacalanos

For more info please visit:
www.petelist.com | www.alchemyperformance.com | www.kassartribal.com | www.galapagosartspace.com

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

More new DVD's coming out! How Exciting!

Rondah — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:49:49 GMT

I did a search on Amazon earlier, and look at all of the new World Dance NY DVD's that came up!!! These are not released yet:

Sensual Bellydance,
Fluid Precision w/ Kassar,
Bellydance - The Next Level ~ Jenna (OH YEAH!)
Bellydance with Veil
Bellydance - It's Your Show! Starring: Tanna Valentine
Bellydance with Zills Starring: Elsa Leandros, Raquy Danziger
Modern Tribal Bellydance Starring: Asharah
Gothic Bellydance - Revelations

Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Tribal-Bellydance-Asharah/dp/B000UZRT4A/ref=sr_1_2/104-5017072-5887155?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1189802375&sr=1-2

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 18 replies

TANNA VALENTINE & SARAH SKINNER :: VEIL MECHANICS & VEIL DYNAMICS WORKSHOP in NYC!

Venus Uprising — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:12:03 GMT

Dear friends, if you happen to be in NY area in November, join us on November 17 for a fabulous 2-INSTRUCTOR VEIL WORKSHOP in NYC!

TANNA VALENTINE & SARAH SKINNER :: VEIL MECHANICS & VEIL DYNAMICS
NOV. 17, 12:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., 440 Lafayette, Studio 4F

INFO / PURCHASE: http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops
For reservations, please e-mail: venus@venusuprising.com

2-instructor Venus Uprising workshops are 3 hrs (1 hr. 30 min. each instructor) - $40 prepaid, $45 at the door

Tanna Valentine - Veil Mechanics - intermediate - 1 hr.30 min.
Tanna will explore the fundamental concepts of skilled veil manipulation, starting with a display of different veil fabrics and shapes. Useful and versatile veil movements will be demonstrated and drilled, including standing and walking veil accents, turns, frames, wraps and “old school” audience favorites.
NOTE: Please bring your own veil, although there will be other veils to sample for comparative purposes.

Sarah Skinner - Veil Dynamics - intermediate - 1 hr.30 min.
Building on the fundamental principles from the first half of the workshop, Sarah Skinner will weave these basic movements into more complex combinations as she highlights the artistic elements of veilwork. Using the veil to enhance the lyrical emotions of the music, Sarah will teach a classic veil choreography.

VENUS UPRISING NEW YORK CITY WORKSHOPS: FALL SCHEDULE
http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply

DVD Review: Fluid Precision by Kassar

mishakitty78 — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:55:10 GMT

Another reivew for ya ;) Hope you like it!

FLUID PRECISION BY KASSAR

With this offering by Kassar, World Belly Dance New York is once again thinking outside of the standard belly dance “box.” I have to confess; I truly enjoy Neon’s commitment to creating DVDs that feature those dancers that are perhaps a bit more obscure than some of the performers and instructors the other big production companies feature. Like anyone else, I relish watching the subtle snakiness of the Bellydance Superstar’s tribal contingent and marvel at the improvisational intricacies of Fat Chance and Gypsy Caravan. But I really do appreciate seeing an instructional offering from some of the up-and-coming dancers in the tribal world. Melanie and Karin of Kassar offer a fresh perspective on tribal in this instructional DVD and give viewers the unique opportunity to see and learn floorwork integrated into a tribal routine. It’s incredibly inspiring and beneficial to see another dancer’s interpretation of this evolving style and this DVD has a lot of material that is not found on other tribal offerings.

Here’s each of the sections, and a few notes on the material they contain:

“Warmup:” At Spirit of the Tribes in 2004, I watched Kassar drop, leap, and slink across the stage. It became quickly apparent that these two ladies had killer core strength in addition to their amazing technical ability. In this warmup, viewers will get a taste of the stretches and strength building exercises that Melanie and Karin use to support their sinuous style. Like Kassar’s multifaceted approach to tribal style belly dance, the warmup pulls from a variety of different philosophies in order to develop strength and flexibility within the body. The Warmup begins with a selection of yoga-based stretches, opening with a modified warrior pose. As the session progresses, additional poses are included, as are more traditional exercises such as the old tried-and-true runner’s hamstring stretch. Karin leads the viewer through a series of strength-building exercises that are pretty intense including “pulses” executed while in a very wide stance and a sort backwards push-up. It must be noted that these are most certainly exercises that will help one become stronger but they definitely require careful application and may not be for those just beginning their exercise regime. The final portion of the warmup includes a variety of stretches intended to open up the hips and improve leg flexibility. These stretches are done while seated and are much more gentle on the body compared to some of the other exercises in the warmup; this would be an excellent series of exercises for those beginning to dance.

“Isolations:” After the warmup, Melanie takes over to teach the various movements that will be utilized in the combinations featured on the DVD. Torso and ribcage movements come first, followed by hip isolations. Melanie gives clear, detailed descriptions of each movement as well as describing the muscles used to execute them. A particularly nice touch was her constant admonitions to maintain proper posture and tips on what not to do for the various movements. The girls cover some movements that will be familiar to those with an ATS background including the torso rotation and the body wave in the torso section and the taxseem and maya during the hip isolations. They also add in some unique moves (that have, dare I say it, an almost cabaret flair) including double drops, a nifty horizontal chest crescent, and an interesting variation on a reverse body wave. Each movement is broken down, demonstrated, and then reviewd for a few minutes giving viewers plenty of time to work on the movement without feeling rushed or frustrated.

“Combinations:” The title of this DVD is “Fluid Precision” and nowhere is this more apparent than in the combinations Melanie and Karin have created. There are a total of four combinations, each lasting about 16 counts or so. First either Melanie or Karin demonstrates the isolations that make up the routine. These are practiced for a bit in sequence and then the arms are added on. Once again, there is plenty of time to study and practice the combination with the arm layer. Next, the girls speed it up, offering both a slow and fast version of the same movement series. The movements in the combos may seem simplistic at first, but the beauty of these combinations is mastering each separate isolation so that they can be strung together fluidly. Combinations that utilize usual body angles, unexpected level variations, weight changes, and movements performed with different stances (in “second” position instead of “first,” for example) provide viewers with an inspiring and exciting new selection of dance material.

“Floorwork:” The girls of Kassar are masters of fancy floorwork. The DVD contains (unfortunately only) two floorwork combinations. Like the other combos, these two offerings utilize the isolations reviewed earlier in the DVD. There are some great ideas here for both descending to, and rising up from, the floor that use the isolations. Kassar’s two creations once again make good use of the floor space and add some nice twists including level changes while on the floor and traveling on the floor, too.

The regular combinations are then strung together in a follow-along-and-practice series. This is a nice way to get an idea of how the combinations can flow from one into another and is, of course, the perfect opportunity to follow along and practice.

The final section of the DVD includes two lovely performances by Kassar. Here viewers can see where Melanie and Karin truly shine as they reveal their signature tribal duet style. One thing I really missed on this DVD was any combinations that could be utilized for duets. Melanie and Karin are so incredibly in sync when dancing together, as viewers will see in both of these performances, and they often have creative methods for interacting with one another while onstage. It’s a bit of a shame there wasn’t at least one combo designed for partner work (guess there will just need to be another DVD!).

What worked for me:
• Floorwork and level changes! Karin and Melanie create incredibly creative floorwork combinations and it was wonderful to not only see this during a performance but to learn it, too. Throughout the combinations there are wonderfully useful tips on level changes too, allowing viewers to learn new ways to add interest to their dance. Just wish there was more of this!
• Kassar’s costuming is absolutely gorgeous. They create some really unique pieces with lush textiles and patterns. Just looking at their costuming can inspire.
• The duo’s positioning during many of the DVD sections allows the viewer to see the movements from different angles. This was particularly useful during the combos and the warmup as it was nice to see what the stretches should look like from different vantage points.
• Pacing. The DVD moved at a steady pace that was refreshingly gentle. Information was presented slowly and carefully and there was plenty of time to practice the isolations and combinations.

What may not work for you:
• Got bad knees? I do. For those of us who have difficulty with those lovely joints, there may be parts of this DVD that are more than a little hard. While the floorwork would be challenging, it is not impossible and definitely something that those with sore knees could attempt and eventually perform.
• During some portions of the DVD it was difficult for me to hear what Melanie and Karin were saying. The music (which was awesome, by the way) seemed to be at an appropriate level, but for some reason the vocal track was not loud enough to be clearly heard over the song. This may have just been my copy, but I found it particularly difficult to hear the instructional portion during the Warmup.
• Some of the stretches and movements in this video are fairly intense (the knee bounces during the warmup, for instance) and may not be suitable for those just starting to belly dance. There is not too much detail given on performing the stretches properly, so care must be taken by the viewer to be sure that undue strain is not put on the body.
• As with several of the other World Dance DVDs, the lighting on the dancers is a bit difficult (on my TV at least) to view for long periods of time. In this offering Kassar is filmed under a red light with a blue background. While they definitely stand out, the red was at times very stark and almost blurred.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 3 replies

Gothic BD: Revelations sorta-review. LONG sorta review.

romdeussen — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:40:13 GMT

Hello, everyone! I just received my copy of Gothic BD: Revelations, and it really has some amazing artists on it. Not a total review--just a run-down:

I know Shakra and Mavi, being from the DC area, and was thrilled to see them on here. Shakra never disappoints, and while a DVD cannot capture the power they have live, they really do showcase their amazing precision and choreography, along with a great sense of musicality and just a hint of impishness. At the end, when Na'la playfully bites Browen's head, I let out an "awwww" of fondness for the girls. They really do a great job. Mavi performs with beautiful blue swirled wings in one piece, and her famous sword in another. Her movements, precise and slow, really add a sensuality to wings and sword. My favorite moment from her pieces is the winged piece, for when she stands and starts to bring the right wing back in front of her, for a second, she looks out into what I assume is another camera and gives a faint little smile. Subtle, but elegant.

Blanca performs to one of my favorite Corvus Corax pieces, F. N., and her interpretation is a fuse of bellydance and contemporary/modern dance. You know, fellow dancers, how we get when someone else dances to our favorite piece to dance to? We get rather uppity, and "she didn't do that right" or "how could she put that there?" Fess up--I do it, too. But in this case, I honestly didn't. I sat, watched, and said, "Wow!!! That was the most awesome backbend/drop I have ever seen!!!!" (it's the final one) and then proceeded to try and fwop to the floor with a horrid plop. I need more practice in the backbend department. Neon--a video on those alone would be great. But Blanca really has a great interpretation.

There are no pieces on here that would raise as much as an eyebrow as Jehan's piece on the previous one, although Sarah Skinner's "Mata Hari" style piece, with the removal of her skirt to reveal only her bejeweled top and a solid flesh-colored bodysuit may cause a bit of a rumbling. If you can, either go to her website or pause your DVD to look at the costume before she removes the bottom part--it is stunning. Really, really stunning, and the video does not close in on it enough so you can see, which is a good thing--we remember how choppy the BDSS videos were when they first came out and we all complained loudly. But Sarah's performance is visually striking and her final "costume" of the gauze-like overhang coming from her bra almost lends an air of vunerability. Quite theatrical!

Neon dances to "Dance of Mind," which is a spoken word piece by herself and....a gentleman whose voice I do not recognize. I had to watch this one twice. I love the fact that when the man asks for her drink order, she orders a (and I'm going to spell this wrong) Molatov Cocktail. BUT, my ADHD goes full swing, and I cannot focus--so I watched it once to see the pictures (it is her dancing, then goes to photos that have been doctored and superimposed, and have those graphic novel "speaking bubbles" on them, with the images of Tempest, Blanca, Carmine, and the WDNY friends ;)), and once to listen to the words. I am incapable of doing both at the same time if I have to focus. Neon, is there somewhere that you have the lyrics to this? I think I need to read it, then watch. It's an interesting concept video, and as always, Neon's dancing is cutting edge of contemporary/bellydance/Neon-style, but I need to freeze-frame it to see what the bubbles say. I read slow :) Neon also breaks out the shemadan, which is FLAT based! Nothing that goes on like a helmet first--amazing.

Ayshe performs with two ladies who almost look like stone, and Ayshe has a white veil over her face. The two other dancers have a piece of white fabric they hold by the edges, wrapping it around her, over her, in front of her, while Ayshe dances. It reminds me of paintings of the Three Graces, but I may be interpreting that wrong.

Laura Rose starts her piece with amazing hand and arm control in time to the music, and is perhaps one of the more "gothic" persay pieces on the DVD. My co-watcher said she reminded her of a zombie (not in a bad way), it took me a moment to realize it was a mirror on the floor, not a large spoon (it was late and I was tired).

Tempest has a classic 20's style number (LOVE your hat..hehe), which is so fun, and another piece that is totally different in style. I also love the impish smile in the first piece that just hovers, but never fully manifests.

Solstice is awesome, and I want to be Sera when I grew up. I turned to my co-watcher and said, "Didn't she recently have a baby?" She snorted and said, "And 4 months later, she looked just like that" and nodded to the screen. Amazing. Great choreography (it's hard when you have 3!), great precision.

Jeniviva has two pieces--one more "music video" and one 9/8. Love the 9/8--she really brings the true air of the playful/arrogant to life.

Ariellah, as always, is excellent as well.

The goods:
1. The lighting is SO much better than the first one!!!
2. The performers are a wide range of body styles and shapes, the costuming is a wide range, and the theatrics are from scant to heavy, so there's a wide variety.
3. No overlays of text and only one "music video" and two that border on that. But no graphics that come over the dancer or scrolling, which lets the viewer focus ON the dancer. Love that.
4. It's really long for the money, coming in at 105 minutes.

The bad:
1. There's going to be rumblings again over the "gothic" and the "bellydance" In some pieces, while lush and theatrical, no bellydance. In one, which I shan't name, she's a good dancer but I swear that's cabaret and so this a.m. I put on cabaret music over it and ...voila. It's cabaret. There are a few definitely "gothic" or "darker" bellydance pieces. There are some that I would call "fantasy" but never gothic. Which means, of course, Neon, now you need to do a fantasy bellydance one.
2. The dancing is somewhat inconsistent in a few performers. There is one that I KNOW is a good dancer, but the piece falls flat. I'm not sure if it was the environment, perhaps the theme, but I have seen her dance in person, and her performance on this DVD was...not that. This is not a production issue but a dancer issue, but....let me put this this way:
Have any of you seen the Evolution DVD? The hoop guy--it's a drinking game. How many times does he pull his shorts back up over his green underwear? How many times do his legwarmers fall down? How many hair pieces does he lose? It should have been reshot.
This is not that, but a case of "Maybe you're having an off day. Shall we go have a glass of wine and try again?" Not a big deal, but not her best.
3. Just my personal thing--when snake dancing, dance with your snake, to your snake, and slow down. Mine hate to be spun, which is just my snake's personality, but when the snake dives for your bra, you may be moving a bit fast for his taste. Maiiah has two lovely snakes (Columbian red tail, maybe?), but those of us who have learned from Mesmera or Serpentina may be coming from a different "snake dancing" school. Unsure.

Finally, if you haven't preordered the DVD, remember you can also go to the performers ON the DVD and buy from them (aka support your local artist!!! Amazon has enough money). I know Shakra has them, Mavi does, and I'm sure Tempest, don't you? Post your links here so they can support you! Maduro's CD is excellent (I have it, I love it), go youtube Corvus Corax to see the crazy instruments these guys use, and as always, support World Dance New York in their efforts to bring "alternative" bellydance to the public eye.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 8 replies

Autumn Ward - video clips from the Fantasy Bellydance Concert

neonissima — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:25:27 GMT

[a x-post from the Fantasy Bellydance tribe]
Here is a link to a YouTube clip of a gorgeous dance by Autumn Ward
"Rose of Damascus - Medieval Bellydance"
from our last week's Fantasy Bellydance Concert NYC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEDbf4376Y8
and another number Autumn performed at the concert - her lovely red ball dance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fecEp01Fwek

Enjoy!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

GOOD LUCK NEON!! :)

brandonoasisdc — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:56:39 GMT

Wish I could get up there, but scheduling conflicts cut me off at the kneecaps (and Rhea of Greece is doing the local WAMEDA annual hfla down here in DC tomorrow night). I'm sure it'll be kick-ass!! I'm sure it'll sell out both nights....

B. :)

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

New DVD descriptions?

Atisheh — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:00:43 GMT

I've tried looking around on Amazon, on the WDNY site, and on the tribe to see if there are any descriptions up yet of Blanca's Sensual Bellydance, but haven't found anything. Is it instructional? I know it's not released yet, but I'd be happy to learn at least a little about the video.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 9 replies

wanting wings

Amara — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:53:23 GMT

I have contacted Ayshe several times regarding purchasing some wings, and now her emails get returned to me. Does anyone know how else to reach her?

I really want to get some and it's been over a month now, since I first contacted her.

Thanks

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Fantasy Bellydance Concert NYC Sept.7-8

neonissima — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 03:30:29 GMT

Dear friends, if you happen to be in NYC in early Sept., let our NYC creative collective, "Venus Uprising" (http://www.venusuprising.com) entertain you! We are hosting a Fantasy Bellydance concert - Sept.7-8. Here is the info:

Venus Uprising presents
FANTASY BELLYDANCE CONCERT
New works by solo and group artists including:
Ayshe, Blanca, Jeniviva, Neon, Sherene Vismaya, Sarah Skinner, Tanna Valentine, Tempest and more to come.

Fri. September 7 at 9 PM
Sat. September 8 at 8 PM

Merce Cunningham Studio
55 Bethune, West Village, NYC
A/C/E, 1/9 to 14 st, L to 8th Ave

Reception immediately following show
Tickets: $25/advance, $30 door
Purchase at: http://www.venusuprising.com/events/FBD_concert.htm

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 3 replies

Venus Uprising Workshops NYC, Fall 2007

neonissima — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 21:50:51 GMT

Dear friends, if you are in New York, or happen to be here on the dates of our Venus Uprising workshops, please join us!
Here is our fall schedule, more info at:
http://www.venusuprising.com/workshops.html

September 29, Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ayshe - “Wild Wings” (wings of Isis, "wild" style)
Blanca - “Sensual Bellydance”

October 20, Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Ayshe - “Warrior Women” (sword, martial arts style)
Neon - “Fluid Bellydance: Technique & Combinations to enhance your fluidity.”

November 17, Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Tanna Valentine - “Veil Mechanics” (technique)
Sarah Skinner - “Veil Dynamics” (choreography)

December 1, Saturday 12:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Puela Lunaris - “Exploring Flamenco-Bellydance connection”

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 0 replies

BD for the developmentally disabled?

aziyade — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:52:36 GMT

I'm going to be doing a bellydance "fitness" class with a group of developmentally disabled women later this summer, and the director of the program has indicated she wants to be able to purchase DVDs to help the women practice at home. I recommended WDNY dvds, of course, but I'm trying to figure out which one or two might be the best choices.

The women live on their own, but their functionality (without the caseworkers) is limited. Most would test at about average or moderately below average. I initially thought about a DVD for kids, but I think they are of high enough intelligence that they would find this offensive. My first choices were Absolute BD and Instant BDer, but I'd welcome suggestions.

The instruction can't be too complicated or they won't do it. The goal is to get them moving and to help them understand the importance of physical fitness and maintaining a healthy weight. I figured BD would be a fun way to introduce them to exercise in general.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 6 replies

We exploded!

romdeussen — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 18:16:40 GMT

Call it a Neon rush--we're up to nearly 120 members now, and most of them in the past few weeks! Word is spreading like wildfire! Or..like glitter in the Deussen household....either, or.

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 2 replies

Posters

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:12:27 GMT

Ya know, the covers of the bellydance DVDs coming out would make lovely posters. Any possibility of that, Neon? :D

posted in Fans and Friends of Neon - 1 reply