Fantasy Bellydance's topics - tribe.net

VU presents: TRAVELING WITH LAYERS & VARIATIONS with JENNA

Venus Uprising — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:36:01 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 Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

2 days crash space in NYC? (x-post)

Tayissa Blue — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:38:50 GMT

Looking for a place to crash in New York City

I am traveling with one of my students to a Raquy Danziger drum retreat. Due to airline timing etc, we have to fly in the day before and leave the day after the workshop. I am looking for crash space for two people, pretty much anywhere in the city and on any couch or scrap of floor. We need a place on July 9 and then again on July 13. Thanks so much for considering my request.

-Tayissa
tayissablue@yahoo.com
http://www.twilightoasis.com

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

Meet, Greet, and Discuss: "None of the Above" Belly Dance

AutumnWard — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:14:18 GMT

Monday, July 14
NOTA Bene: "None of the Above" belly dancers' working group

Williamsburg or Lower Manhattan location TBD
7 pm

Are you interested in belly dance that doesn't easily fit into a mainstream category? Using, in whole or in part, ethnic, folklore, cabaret or tribal moves to create something that isn't right for an ethnic, cabaret, or tribal venue or audience? Creating work that is alternative and/or fusion, but that doesn't quite fit in with (or is entirely different from) the more familiar goddess, fantasy, archetype, and/or gothic themes? Looking for a creative community?

Hostesses Autumn Ward and Melissa Voodoo invite other "none of the above" artists for an informal meet and greet on Monday, July 14 from 7:00 to 8:30ish. Lower Manhattan or Williamsburg location to be determined based on volume of response.

Our definitions are loose and our scope is broad; our general goal for the evening, though, is to connect innovators who are doing (or want to be involved in) unorthodox performances that happen around the creative margins of the bellysphere. We're hearing from a lot of dancers who say they want to "do something," and we want to connect you. Of course, we are also interested in finding dancers, thinkers, and other movers and shakers for our own projects. (Autumn is developing new theatrical ensemble pieces for 2009, and Melissa is working on a showcase for like-minded performers. We are NOT auditioning or casting at this meeting, but we are looking to shape our plans by learning more about who/what is out there.) So, if you'd like to work with us, come! But, if you're more interested in your own or different projects, also come!

Our specific agenda for the meeting will be to share what resources participants seek and have to offer in terms of:

-talent
-collaboration
-classes and educational opportunities
-venues
-funding
-inspiration
-identity forging
-crossovers with non-ethnic dance, theater, variety, neo-vaudeville, and burlesque

Please RSVP to autumn@autumnward.com if would like to attend, or just want to get on an email list for this group.

Please forward and repost this announcement!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

Reminder: FAN VEILS - Workshop with Tanna this Saturday

Venus Uprising — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:14:25 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 Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

FAN VEILS - Technique and Combinations - Workshop with Tanna

Venus Uprising — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:22:43 GMT

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

CULT OF MYTH - thank you! and photos - x-post

neonissima — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:07:30 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 Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

The Autumn Ward Rise Up Thing

romdeussen — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:34:45 GMT

That's the official name, I christened it. :)

In the Fantasy Bellydance DVD, Autumn rises up from the floor in perhaps one of the most amazing reverse-backbends ever.

Now, I have a pilates certified instructor, a personal trainer, another pro bellydancer, and a gymnast all look at it. We have looked at it step by step.

HOW is she doing it? We have the back flexibility, the Pilates instructor has the leg strength (she is our "dummy" b/c she is so small we can actually pick her up and manipulate her if we need to) and flexibility...but....that initial raise part is kiling us. Anyone out there have a clue? Legs and abs, I know, but there has to be some key element we're missing!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 16 replies

Desire: Fanstasy Belly Dance DVD review

Leilani — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:46:31 GMT

Blanca is a wonderful teacher and performer. She takes belly dance instruction 1 step further than just teaching technique. She effectively demonstrates how to communicate passion and soul to the dance. I enjoy her fantasy dances. She tells a story & breaks it down in movements of the dance. This is my 3rd DVD with Blanca. I also purchase Sensual Belly dance and Gothic Bellydance: Revelations. Highly recommend them too!
Salome-Tribal Fusion with Naraya is so sensual. She wears a unique, gorgeous, red costume.
Temple Priestess – Tribal Fusion with Darshan was mystical and magical. Her movements are so beautifully serpent and sensual. Darshan is so spiritual. She really broke down the meaning of the dance to her. She interprets each movement as it is meant spiritually in the dance choreography. This really helps it click.
I find this dvd to be very helpful with improving my choreography, technique and presentation. Highly recommend.

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

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

Venus Uprising — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:21:55 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 Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Cult of Myth - SOLD OUT!

Venus Uprising — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:40:38 GMT

Dear friends, the Cult of Myth show is SOLD OUT on both nights:

Friday, April 25 - SOLD OUT
Saturday, April 26 - SOLD OUT

Please be further advised that tickets will be held until @ 7:50 p.m.,
and after that seats will be released. Please be there on time! :)

Thank you, and see you at the show!!!!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

Which comes first?

Petra — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:01:59 GMT

When designing and planning a fantasy bellydance piece, how do you begin and from there how do you proceed?
Do you start with a piece of music that inspires ideas for costuming and movement? Or do you imagine a costume and seek out the music to complement it?

I find that inspiration comes from many directions....sometimes from several places at once. Sometimes it's a pieces of music that conjures images of a costume in my mind's eye. Sometimes I see costume components that inspire me to want to create a dance and find music that expresses how I feel.

Just curious about how it works for others...

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 5 replies

Cult of Myth - Program!

Venus Uprising — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:03:50 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...

:: 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"

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

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

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

Venus Uprising — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:27:02 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:
http;//www.venusuprising.com/workshops/index.html

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

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

Venus Uprising — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:25:00 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.

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

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Fantasy Bellydance DVDs - Instructional series - WDNY

neonissima — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:52:18 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 Fantasy Bellydance - 9 replies

Performers for Frederique show in Seattle

Tayissa Blue — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:04:17 GMT

Greetings All,

We have a full line up of performers and some slots left in the workshops for Frederique in Seattle. Here is a link to more information on tickets and workshop registrations:

http://www.twilightoasis.com/frederique.html

Frederique
Troupe Hipnotica
Skin Deep
Twilight Maqsuum
Maureen of Hands of Kali
Amber
Medea
Rakqs Steady Eddie
Tri Bellas

Thanks,
Tayissa

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Fantasy costumes by Totally Creative NYC - X-post

neonissima — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:31:21 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:
people.tribe.net/totallycreative
And here is a link to Flickr photo sets featuring spectacular costumes conceptualized and designed by Elsa in recent years:
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 Fantasy Bellydance - 2 replies

I need an costume ideas!

najla_nef — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:58:52 GMT

Hi,

I'm having some serious mental costume idea blockage. i 'm thinking about doing a watery-sea costume for an upcoming dance. If you're wondering about the song it is called "sea legs" by The Shins.

Anyway, I generally had 2 different ideas. Either go get a egyptian blue-green costume or I could get a tribal-esque costume with flare pants, braided rope belt, half-top etc...I 'm leading towards tribal.

so, what websites could help me?

thanks!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Interview with NikkiJ

blancadance — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:45:57 GMT

On The Hip Circle:
http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=299

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Don't think just write!

blancadance — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 19:25:42 GMT

Quickly! If you were a superhero/fairy tale character/cartoon/otherworldly creature... who or what would you be? Meaning right now, not yesterday, not in one hour.... right this moment!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 53 replies

Getting started

najla_nef — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:44:15 GMT

hi,

how do you get started into fantasy bellydance???

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 7 replies

VEIL WORKSHOP with Tanna Valentine

Venus Uprising — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:37:23 GMT

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

Building on the fundamental principles from the first half of the workshop, Tanna 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, she will teach a classic veil choreography.

NOTE: Please bring your own veil, although there will be other veils to sample for comparative purposes.

440 Studios, Studio 4F
440 Lafayette between Astor Place and 4th St.
New York, NY

For reservations, please e-mail: venus@venusuprising.com
Workshops are 3 hrs - $40 prepaid, $45 at the door

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

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Costume ideas needed ASAP!

romdeussen — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:21:43 GMT

I'm dancing at a benefit, a kind of fusiony cabaret style piece (I hate the word "tribaret" but that's just me....something edgy and fun but still with classic elements), and have ZERO idea for a costume.

None.

I'm dancing to the new Duran Duran piece, Falling Down. Notorious for dancing to odd pieces, I figured I'd give this a go, and with my style, it does work...I think. Two Turkish drops in it as well.

Now, no idea what to do for costuming. I keep seeing flesh colored with kuchi but while I have a pair of nude colored Melodia style pants, flashes go off and they become....umm....more sheer than I'd like.

If anyone knows the piece (you can hear it on iTunes), advice? I am pretty handy with sewing and have a pretty good team of seamstresses and coppersmiths and even a blacksmith willing to work on this with me b/c it's in two weeks, but if you have an idea that pops into your head of a fantasy style bra/belt/pants or even bedlah/skirt, if I can work it into a design, total credit to you!

The more I think about it...peacock! No...brown! Ack! But I do ask no red, I don't like blues unless they're purply, and beyond that, I'm pretty game for anything. Ideas, budding designers????

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 6 replies

How did I miss this Tribe?!

Petra — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:47:21 GMT

Somehow, I managed to not see this tribe until today. For shame!
I posted a collage of my current inspiration - vintage dresses - in the photo section. I am working on a dance costume incorporating some of these kinds of elements, plus a bit of theatrical cabaret....

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 3 replies

any chance?

Jillian — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:00:08 GMT

That there will be a dvd of the fantasy bellydance past performance? I don't know if this has been asked yet, but some of us are stuck in upstate NY and can never get away!

The photos are beautiful!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 6 replies

mermaid

kimber — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:27:32 GMT

I performed in a show last spring as a mermaid - the whole show was a feast of dark carnivale - it was incredible!! Carpe Nocturne.

Alaska has been hosting shows like this since Spring of 2006, our very own Melissa first inspired the dance community here.

i will post a pic of my costume. In the song the tail comes off and I "grow" legs and dance w/veils (stragtically hidden in the tail)

so much fun.

kimber

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 2 replies

HYBRID: SONGS FOR KASSAR tomorrow at Galapagos

Venus Uprising — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 23:27:37 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 NYC
$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 Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

Autumn Ward - video clips from the Fantasy Bellydance Concert

neonissima — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:20:52 GMT

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 Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

Inspiration found in novels

Desari — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:50:57 GMT

I have a fondness for paranormal romance in particular the Dark Series by Christine Feehan. I got my dance name from a character in the series. A good deal of the books have gothic themes and the moods and settings stir up the imagination. Before each book on her website, Christine Feehan would put up trailers for the book that actually ran as TV ads. They weren't movies or going to be made into movies as it states here http://www.christinefeehan.com/dark_series.htm but it definitely inspires a bellydance version. :)

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 17 replies

Dracula's Ball Philadelphia

Leilani — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:44:54 GMT

Wondering who is planning on attending Dracula's Ball at Nocturne, Philadelphia, PA. Oct. 31?

http://www.draculasball.com/details.htm

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

Have You Not Watched the Waves on a Dark Moonlight Night?

blancadance — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:40:35 GMT

Article by Seir
http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=283

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

costumes for sale

bellydancecostumesbytc — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:46:50 GMT

I have costumes for sale on my website email me for more info on anything you like tcsdance@aol.com
buy anything before Oct 1st and will ship for free (US only)
thanks
TC
www.bellydancecostumesbytc.com
or check the pics in my profile

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Our show is tonight!

blancadance — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:10:55 GMT

We look forward to seeing you...
http://www.venusuprising.com/events/FBD_concert.htm

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 5 replies

Jeniviva Teaching at Tribal Fest 8

ChuckTheDJ — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:14:57 GMT

I saw her pic in the photo album, she has some fans here, so I thought I would let you all know...

http://bsbd.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B5fbb58db-9835-4ba5-99d2-df00f7271ef4%5D

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Fantasy Bellydance Concert NYC Sept.7-8

neonissima — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 03:34:03 GMT

Dear friends, if you happen to be in NYC in early Sept., let our NYC creative collective, "Venus Uprising" (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: www.venusuprising.com/events/...cert.htm

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 7 replies

Okay I'm pissed now

blancadance — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 05:21:00 GMT

Somebody just told me that there's no point in creating anything new because all the best art has already been created.

Sheesh... even writing that sentence hurts my stomach. This is such a sad, dangerous and WRONG statement. It's also so ridiculous, it's actually funny.

Please everybody, love yourself enough to go and read this book:
http://www.amazon.com/How-Avoid-Making-Julia-Cameron/dp/1585424382/ref=sr_1_3/102-6844589-0804126?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186895824&sr=8-3

The Amazon.com "search inside" future doesn't show the illustrations, so don't be surprised if the pages look strange in the preview.

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 12 replies

Fantasy audience?

aziyade — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:32:24 GMT

This may sound bizarre, but sometimes when I get frustrated with what I'm working with, I'll turn the main lights off in the studio and fantasize that there's someone special standing nearby watching, or in the audience. Improvisation comes so much more quickly, fluidly, and honestly when I do this.

And somehow I find I'm exploring different parts of me -- like I'm a bunch of dancers all rolled up into one short squat ball, and having a different one pop up to take center stage is really liberating!

My fantasy audience has included Elizabeth I and her court, a pack of she-were-wolves still in their wolf form, Neil Gaiman (cause there's probably not a day goes by that I DON'T fantasize about him LOL) , Titania and Oberon, 6 drunken hobbits, a melancholy albino prince, Sohair Zaki, and the fire dancers from 2002 DragonCon.

Anybody else do this, or is this just further proof that I'm more of a fruitloop than I admit?

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 11 replies

under the sea? The Little Mermaid

Czarina — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 01:26:28 GMT

Neon asked me to post this.
Isn't it pleasing?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=tLx6KEc_z_I

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 3 replies

What are y'all up to these days?

Desari — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 01:35:10 GMT

Do tell us of your latest adventures in Fantasy Bellydance! I will live vicariously until I have my own adventures, hopefully soon. :)

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 12 replies

What are you creating today?

Venus Uprising — Wed, 23 May 2007 14:38:21 GMT

As Twyla Tharp so brilliantly puts it in her book, t's all about 'The Creative Habit', it's all about doing the work. Creative blocks will come and go but as long as we move forward, things will begin to grow.

All of us on this Tribe have a myriad things that we want to put out into the world. These things don't simply show up one day out of nowhere... they need to... um... get done!

What are you doing today to manifest your vision? To see your dreams take shape? To cultivate the garden so the flowers can bloom?

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 4 replies

Neon and Blanca play Let's Dress up Carmine

carmineguida — Tue, 01 May 2007 04:23:07 GMT

So what do ya think?

http://people.tribe.net/carmineguida/photos

:)

-Carmine

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 3 replies

Ink Blot Test

blancadance — Wed, 16 May 2007 20:41:57 GMT

What do you say this is?
http://tribes.tribe.net/fantasybellydance/photos/4fadea63-b078-4cea-8d63-1305558b5a0f

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 9 replies

Why Do You Bellydance?

blancadance — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 02:20:22 GMT

Don't think, just write! Short, quick answers. As many as you want.

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 20 replies

How to Catch a Butterfly

blancadance — Wed, 09 May 2007 14:39:18 GMT

Dear ones,
I was writing this last night:
http://venusuprising.typepad.com/venus/2007/05/how_to_catch_a_.html

How do YOU get your inspiration?
And when it comes, How do you catch it before it goes away?

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Cross Post: Dancer Killed at Virginia Tech

dancersdreamland — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:54:07 GMT

Please read this blog entry and pass along...

http://people.tribe.net/dancersdreamland/blog/b012a472-5242-49fd-b696-37edfe952df2

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

The New Modern Dance

Venus Uprising — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:20:33 GMT

Excellent article by our very own Ayshe:

'The New Modern Dance'
http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=251

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Psst!

Venus Uprising — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 02:01:01 GMT

Hey new members, welcome to Fantasy Bellydance Tribe!
Please introduce yourself...

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 7 replies

The stuff we are made of...

blancadance — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:21:34 GMT

Fairy tales are a huge part of us. The ones we listened to when we were little ingrained attitudes and beliefs that we carry deep inside. They evoked images and feelings that still inspire and even control us to this day.

Would you share one of your most significant tales with us?

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 11 replies

Journey of the Bellydancer

blancadance — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 17:39:37 GMT

If you think of your bellydance life story... if you look at the journey you have traveled since you first encountered this dance... What story would it be? What movie would it make?

Let's name it
"[insert your name here]: JOURNEY OF A BELLYDANCER"

YOUR movie, with your soundtrack and your own unique plot. You can make it as simple/ poetic/ comical/ dramatic/ romantic/ adventurous as you want. You can write things as they happened or you can use your imagination. You can even write about your future goals as being already part of the story.

If you are not a bellydancer you can also write your story, for example "[Insert your name here]: Journey of a Bellydancer's Boyfriend" or "[Insert your name here]: Journey of a Musician" or anything you like. In any case, write this movie or tale starring YOU.

Okay, my turn.

BLANCA: JOURNEY OF A BELLYDANCER
- Pious and studious Blanca somehow bumps into a mysterious music genre that pulls her in. All her friends are into pop while she is listening (and torturing her friends) day and night with her 'bizarre' music.

- Around the same time she accompanies her mom on a trip. In that foreign land, upon turning on the TV, a never-before-seen creature appears on a theater stage, wearing the most wonderful costume, dancing to the most evocative music... it resembles that strange music that she already listens to. Eyes wide open, she says to herself: "I want to do THAT"

- When she returns back home and while buying fruits and vegetables with her mom, Blanca turns her eyes up to the second floor of the building across the street. Miraculously, in this forgotten city of hers, she finds the treasure of treasures: a bellydance school!

- She works very hard to get the steps, helps her teacher in every thing she can. Her teacher is patient and understanding and gives her encouragement. The big show is coming. Uh oh! ego trip is coming...

- The big show! Blanca invites all her friends and family. She's sure that after this show all her friends will be in love with bellydance just like she is!... or will they?...

- Her friends TOTALLY trash her. [Okay not totally accurate but it's good to add a little drama here and there]. None of her friends are into this bellydance of hers... they just don't get it. They don't get along well anymore because her set of values have now changed... She's quite alone in the world... [sniffff!]

- ...Until destiny moves her to NYC where she lives happily ever after surrounded by all her bellydancing friends and writing stories on Tribe.

THE END
(...or is it?)

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 28 replies

Suggestions (cross post)

Laura — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:38:02 GMT

Help! I'm at a loss! I'm dancing in a Tarot card show next month (May 5th) but I have to turn in my music and information by April 14th.

Unusual for me. . . I have not a clue what music I want to dance to!

I drew The Empress card. She's a card of abudance, fertility, creativity. . . sort of like a Mother Nature type. I was thinking of wearing a green costume w/flowers in my hair.

I was wanting some music that is grandiose, dramatic, maybe with a lady singing and I didn't necessarily want ME music either. I was wanting to dance with a veil or my fans.

So far, the only thing I've come up with is "Datura" by Tori Amos, which has her speaking the names of flowers and herbs behind the music. Halfway through the song (about 3 minutes) the song slows down and is not danceable. I need a song that's 5 minutes or less.

I've also heard a song on the "300" soundtrack called "Fire Dance" that might be okay.

Anyone have any ideas? I know that music choice is pretty personal but I would appreciate any guidance you could give me. Thanks in advance!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 3 replies

I'm a newbie intro Sawjja-Romani

Sawjja — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 21:29:00 GMT

Hello my beauties! My name is Sawjja and I adore bellydance of all forms. I especially enjoy the serpentine fluidity of fusion... I am trying to get back into my dancing after a 3 year leave due to a back injury caused at work. I am fine now and rearing to go.I have a horse rescue www.gypsyhearthorserescue.net I look forward to knowing each of you. As a child ,I heard muted whispers from family members about my gypsy -great ,great,grandmother who hailed straight from Spain.They called it the 'black dutch side" :)She was a bonafide healer who traveled the countryside with her bag of medicinal herbs.Her pouch included:different types of tree barks,camphor,copper,mint,sage,foxglove,lemongrass, and belladonna.Hugs and blessings my dolls. Sawjja

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

Cartwheel!

Gia-al-Qamar — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 13:36:46 GMT

Blanca! I am so honored that you've made me the featured photo...I feel so special...I may not morph into that INVISA-BELLY Dancer afterall! I shall use my powers for good...I think I may instead use my powers to travel back in time and change history for the better!
Gia

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 2 replies

Venting (for a good cause)

blancadance — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 06:14:13 GMT

Have you encountered a loved one who unknowingly CRUSHED your fantasies and your tastes? Maybe a teacher who discouraged you from being yourself? A person you admired who made fun of a daring idea you had?

Writing these things down can be very liberating.

When I was little I loved all sorts of romantic, dreamy things such as princesses and veils and fluffy skirts. My older sister (whom I love dearly) simply hated all that. In my role of younger sister I thought that she had all the answers and that something was wrong with me for being different... so I became her clone: made fun of feminine things, only liked ultra-modern, clean-cut stuff and watched unicorn movies in secret embarrassment.

Thank goodness I'm a grown-up now so I can finally PLAY!!!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 2 replies

Inspiration found...

romdeussen — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:42:36 GMT

I found this AMAZING material at JoAnn's that looks like rolled glass (for those who aren't familiar with glass, colored glass comes in sheets that gets rolled out, with swirls, etc. where the colors fused and melted, sometimes at different temperatures). It came in four colors--I'll take photos and post it, along with a NEW textile I'm doing--see if you ladies can guess what it is going to be!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 4 replies

Inspirations - Erte: Fashion & Dance Costume Designs

Venus Uprising — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:51:01 GMT

Erte: Fashion & Dance Costume Designs
Article by Neon!

http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=121

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Inspirations: Leon Bakst Orientalist costumes of the Ballets Russes

Venus Uprising — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:23:29 GMT

The Leon Bakst Orientalist costumes of the Ballets Russes
Article by Neon
http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=101

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Thank you!!!

romdeussen — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 04:04:22 GMT

What an honor to have my picture as the avatar right now! :) Just the nudge I need to get working on them again!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

OAI

Jadzia — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 19:59:57 GMT

Over Active Imagination

My parents told me over and over that I suffered from OAI.

I loved Halloween so much I got costumes for Christmas. My dinosaurs attacked my Fort Apache, rather than the traditional small plastic beings game of “cowboys and Indians”. I asked for my cowBOY suit and my fur coat the same year. I informed many people that if I could not grow up to be the president or an astronaut I'd just as soon be a nun.

OAI

While my siblings asked to go for Chinese food for their birthdays, I always asked to go to Ikaros. It was a Baltimore icon 45 years ago, and while I have been long gone it is apparently still there. I can still remember the stench of feta cheese, body odor, and cigarette smoke combined as I sat in my booster seat (small kid, wore a 6 at age 11) and watched. The experience was the same, every year.

So, how freaky am I that at 5 I wanted to watch the belly dancers?

They stood in alcoves in the wall, I remember arches over their heads. Between dances they looked like grecian statues so still were they. Then they swayed, voluptous and sweaty, that little layer of pudge over unbelievably muscled abs. There was no air conditioning to dry the sweat on their upper lips, or the rivulet darting down their backs as they moved faster and faster.

The smoke lay in the room like a strata of cloud cover, and it would only move when they did.

Today I would call it sultry, sensual, surreal… but as a child I could not put words to it, I could only ask to go...

and watch the belly dancers...

every year from age 5 to age 9...

for my birthday.

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 3 replies

What's Your Fantasy?

Venus Uprising — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:22:51 GMT

The realm of the mind is way more interesting than the real world. Who's with me?
Dreamers of the world UNITE!!!

Er... just kidding! What's in your imagination today? What did you dream last night?

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 7 replies

New Article by Tempest

blancadance — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 17:13:20 GMT

Dear Ones,
We've just published 'The Age of Storytelling' by Tempest.
http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=238

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies

Fantasy translated through props?

Jadzia — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 02:19:34 GMT

This is an incredible overall subject, this tribe is. I've been thinking (rut-roh!) a lot about dance, fantasy... and do I integrate the two? I was leaning toward the "no" column until I picked up one of my silk veils this evening. An AHA moment ensued. My dance takes on an entirely different dimension when I pick up a veil. *I* take on another dimension when I pick up a veil. I live in Kansas where we always have a breeze (literally) and I love to dance, outside, in the grass, in my barefeet, with my silk veils. Thank goodness I make and dye them myself or I wouldn't be brave enough to trot out the door with them!

In these moments I am transported. There is no need or space for choreography. There isn't necessarily any of what we traditionally consider music. For those of you who are blessed to live in the country like I am - there is ALWAYS music. I can dance to the rhythms of nature - the geese honking, the cats mrrhing, the cicada's chirruping, the sounds the wind brings - rustles and howls. In those moments, too rare these cold days, I am in my ultimate fantasy of being free and with nature.

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 2 replies

The word 'Fantasy'... The beauty! The horror!!!

blancadance — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 03:59:14 GMT

The thing about the word "fantasy" is that each person pretty much projects his or her own feelings onto it. When we were children this word described a lot of what we were all about. It was okay to live in the realm of fantasy back then... except that adults looked down upon us and made us feel silly about it. We couldn't wait to grow up and live the "real" world.

So adults we became... if we were lucky we kept enjoying the products of the imagination in secret... while actively trying to keep our feet firm on the ground. We were yelled at way too many times for not being in touch with reality or for making things up. We were scolded for daydreaming and distrusted for inventing new things. Our only encounters with the word 'Fantasy' were always related to weirdos of one kind or another.

But really, Fantasy means that which exists only in our Imagination. I say there's nothing more sacred than that (to me anyway). Fantasy is where everything comes from... the realm of dreams and ideas...

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 3 replies

Some fantasy illustrator links

blakfistforge — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:05:55 GMT

I thought it might be appropriate to post a few links to some of the illustrators that have done artwork for many sci-fi & fantasy novels, games & other media.

Boris Vallejo & Julie Bell
http://www.imaginistix.com/

Larry Elmore
http://www.larryelmore.com/index.htm

Clyde Caldwell
http://www.clydecaldwell.com/index.html

John Howe
http://www.john-howe.com/

Keith Parkenson
http://www.keithparkinson.com/main.php

Frank Frazetta
http://www.frazettaartgallery.com/ff/index.html

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 2 replies

Photos question.

romdeussen — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:22:21 GMT

Hi, everyone-I've been a member for a bit but quiet. I do Romani fusion (I'm Romani, so...made sense), but in my head, I was always a costume designer, with no sewing machine skills, and just adore some of the "fantasy" bellydance costumes out there. I am currently doing a Gustav Klimt inspired belt for someone (I do hand tapestry work--it's 320,000 stitches by hand with hand dyed silk thread--so I only crank out one every other year). Would it be possible to post, if it's all right, photos of some of my work as it progresses? I'd love to hear some feedback, or if you think there may be another way to use it in a costume. In no way is it a sales pitch--at one piece every 2 years, trust me, I've got another 4 years before ANYthing comes out, but I'd love to get some feedback!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 6 replies

Let There Be Fantasy Bellydance!

Venus Uprising — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 08:22:33 GMT

Let the choreography, the technique, the musicality, the artistry be nothing but servants for the creatures, feelings and images that exist in our imaginations.
Let costuming, staging, lighting, music and medium be nothing but the means through which our dreams come into physical reality.
Let them all serve one purpose: to communicate that which only you can see inside yourself.

It's not about styles... we're not trying to box anything... we're simply inviting you—who are moved by the world of dreams—to join our tribe.

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 5 replies

Crystalline Curves

romdeussen — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:34:57 GMT

If any of you are going to Rakkasah West, when I think of "fantasy bellydance" costuming, besides lush fabrics, I think of Crystalline Curves. Made by Annalisa (if you have Atea's video's, she is the very tall blond, and I'll post our photo in my tribe.net album if you need a visual jog), she takes pieces of antique jewelry, and makes necklace/bellychain combinations out of them. While I have never been a belly chain fan, she showed me one that is iridescent crystals and has a set of wings (I have a huge wings tattoo on my back) holding a huge pendant, and the bellychain is ornate as well--it matches a costume I have that's fabulous but no other jewelry matches. But it's a great combination of new ideas, old vintage, and that glamour that can go with "fantasy" dance. They took their website down and only a few smaller, less intricate pieces are on a BD sales site, but what she brings to the show is phenomenal. The one I have reminds me of the "Birds of Prey" poster, in a way, with Blanca on it. It is VERY heavy, required it's own box b/c it's so large (the wings are about four inches across)--and as soon as I get back home, I shall take a pic for you!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 3 replies

Inspirations

neonissima — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:45:46 GMT

I took some pictures of the Bergdorf Goodman (NYC) Christmas windows to start our archive of visual inspirations - I've just added them to our tribe album - amazingly artistic displays - very whimsical! The theme of performing arts - both glamour and the dark edge - has been quite prominent these year in fashion marketing: Artists reflecting on the glory and the drama of being an artist, and bohemian, artistic lifestyle presented like a dream or an escape fantasy.
Please share your inspirations!

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 1 reply

What's next?

Desari — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 19:08:15 GMT

What are you lovely ladies cooking up for this year?

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 2 replies

Fantasy Bellydance article

blancadance — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 03:14:15 GMT

Neon has just published "Fantasy Fusion Bellydance" on The Hip Circle. Let us know what you think!
http://www.thehipcircle.com/article/display.asp?ArticleID=230

posted in Fantasy Bellydance - 0 replies