SIMPLE BELLYDANCE PERFORMANCE

Well, this is the first time i took atleast two days to properly choreograph this dance. And i sprained myself dancing cos i was trying to perfect my rib circles. I think i did this dance atleast 10 times before posting this video. Its like when i do it over and over again, i realise i become too tired and my dance lack energy and expression.

Music and the importance of it in BELLYDANCE

This is a lesson i learnt lately. Music. Bellydance is the only dance where you understand your body and move it according and very precisely to the music you hear. A good bellydancer will do that. Understand and feel and move according to the beats. And each time a drum “taks” and your hip shakes according to this “tak” sound, you cause a good impact. I also realise isolation is very important. Each movement is precise. One of this bellydancers told me she practised her rib circles 3 hours a day. I was shocked. I have no probs doing it, i always thought i dont need practise. But after hearing what she said, i decided to take all these steps seriously and began practising my rib circles. Making it move fster and slower according to the beat.

American bellydance

This is a dance that originated in northen california. It has alot of indian influence. Seeing their costumes reminded me of those women in india who danced with pots. The folk dancers. The costumes are considered gypsy type in india. And it isnt exactly pretty. I believe it has alot of southern indian influence. What i admire is their isolation. They NEVER move the whole body together. Its always one part, and then another. Example, hip, then ribs, then shoulder and then head. It looks great to me.

Egyptian bellydance

The most original form of bellydance. This has alot of fluid movements. They outlawed the floor works, where suddenly the dancer does a backbend. Personally, i feel its not my type as its really flowly.

Turkish belydance

This is my obsession. The turkish drum solos. How much they shake and move their body according to each drum beat. I have decided after my course in classic egyptian bellydance, i will take a short course for turkish drum solos and hopefully end up in turkey and marry Tarkan.

My new costume

I saw this bra set in thie place (I AM NOT TELLING YOU) its only 100 buck. (I AM NOT GONNA EVER TELL YOU) Its marvellous egyptian style and its SOOOO CHEAP!!!!. YES IT IS. Compared to the 400 and 800 buck costumes. Basically its a bra. And its golden. And it will suit my brown skin. And after i purchase it, i might have to get this turkish tailor guy to sew sleeves and get me a suitable skirt. I wanna have gypsy sleeves. Cos i cant dance in a bra, maybe for my husband! And i think the bra is full cup (hopefully). If its half cup, i will get the guy to cover the upper part and make it a full. I will only purchase this if i get a job (aNY JOB!!) So i can pay up for all the extra bellydance workshops i wish to enrol in the near future. I really think 100 bucks is expensive. I am not a spendrift. But comparitively to other rpices, this is mad. If i invest now, i dont have to buy the expensive ones. This is in gold man gold!!

The turkish tailor i met is a professional. Cos i just told him that i want a costume in red. I was testing him to see if he knows his trade well. He immediatly told me Gold. Even though the red was more expenive, instead of chucking the costume, he cared for his customer and said i should take gold. And a good tailor or costume designer always knows what colors suit his customer. Therefore, i respect him.

A mockumentary Film on Singapore by Florian and Me.

PART ONE 

PART TWO

 

 Slept on the road

The highlight of this whole adventure was that, we slept outside a restuarnt which luckily had sofas, cos we ran out of money for a cab to get home or get into a hotel. Therefore we made this restuarant our humble home. And we ate breakfast without brushing our teeth. It was yummy.

Well, this is the film. I hope i dont get into trouble for it. I must admit Florian is an excellent actor. I really enjoyed the two whole days with him. Even though, Sundari’s death was very very painful, it seems God sent florian over and these two days were crazy fun.

Florian is a mirror image…or a twin of mine. We behave excatly alike. From rubbing our chins when we are deep in thought, to our idealogies and taste in food and music. We are like mirror images.

I never laughed this much. We didnt get sleep. But we had lots of food. And i am so worried Flo is going to make me fat. I guess i have to exercise all the excess fats off.

I wanted this film as natural as possible, as if its a true life account. And that was the main reason why i kind of wanted the cam rather shakey, and the background noise. It makes it feel like REAL. The whole thing was natural. Most of it were our own conversations and what we thought at that moment.

Apart from all that, i was happy with Florian. It was like we had so much fun. Like we were kids once again. Its so good to have a pal sometimes. Soemone you can lean and cry to. And i am glad i have him for that.

My daughter is no more..

 

I am here to write that my baby sundari has passed away a few minutes earlier. I have really nothing to say. She was a brave rabbit. And tonight she taught me a lesson, that even though she appears to be a “scardey cat”, she might have been alot braver than her sister Xena. She proved that to all of us. She always wanted to be as good as Xena. I told her slowly that she is better. She fought death once and survuved a disease that Singaporean vets claimed there isnt a cure. She fought the same disease Xena passed away from. And she survived.

I told her she is a warrior. Not a scaredy rabbit. I motivated her and asked if she wanted to die from stomach pain or a as a warrior. Whether u believed or not, Sundari immedialtly stood up bit her fur to fight the pain, and continued to fight death.

Sundari is a emotional sensitive rabbit. I motivated her. Even though, initialy  i lied to her that she was better than Xena. Right now, i think and i believe maybe she was. She fought to the end.

She was fighting as i held her tightly trying to hit her chest to make her heart beat. Xena was different and so is sundari. Sunari is a brave determined rabbit. Xena just felt she didnt want us to suffer along with her. Maybe Xena already knew she wouldnt survive. But Sundari didnt want to give up just yet. And she took all of us on for support.

She is a doll. And always will be. I cant imagine my cute naughty rabbit has passed on. Even as she lies there, i feel like she is some doll. I cant cry much suddenly. Maybe out of the admiration that a rabbit taught me something really important.

Its like all of us thought she was the child of the family, the stubborn over sensitive one. Or the spoilt child. But she is one brave rabbit. And it touches my heart that i meant alot to her. Maybe because, Xena meant alot to her. Just because Xena was attached to me and considered me hers. Sundari too felt she needed to live up to that standard.

My mom told me she would wait patiently till i come back. When i call her name, she will drag her limp body towards me. I really meant so much to sundari. So much so, she passed away in my arms. I really admire her now. I dont feel any regrets. From her brith till death, from feeding her milk when she was a baby to now, i know i have taken care of that rabbit so well.

It just hurts me, that i realise how much this cute crazy rabbit loved me. Or maybe she really did love her elder sister Xena. It makes me love her so much. I love you sundari. You are still the fattest rabbit i have ever met. So fat!

Another lesson i remebered as i was crying, sundari has not gone anywhere. She has gone back to God. God is my friend. And it where everyone will eventually go. Sundari lived a long 7 years. I cant believe years fly by. From a infant to her old age. I only feel bad for her twin brother panda. He feels awfully sad and is hugging my dad. I am not sad or anything. Even though i cant help crying. I just feel sad i will miss a rabbit, which i realised only now that she might have loved me more than i think. It really matters to her whether i spend time with her or not. I love you sundari. Alot. Mua

Updates on my rabbit…

I am a little relaxed today, mainly because my rabbit is doing much better i guess. I have estimated that if she passes through tonight alive and in good shape, in god’s grace my rabbit will make it. I have just force fed her and made her swallow her meal with water. She is sitting there in the couch responsive to sounds around her.

As i was laying on bed, i couldnt help recollecting all the memories i had with this rabbit family. We calls them the Bubs family. It all started with a rabbit called mickey stray on the road. I was quite young then, i guess still in secondary school. And my mom came back and said she rescued this new zealand white rabbit from a stray cat. Initially, i was frightened of Mickey becos my sister had once told me she was chased by a fierce rabbit. So whenever, Mickey came near me (with love) i would run away. One friday morning, before going to school, mickey came running to me. That day, i overcame my fear and started petting her. Really rough. Cos i didnt know how to pet rabbits.

Mickey’s 1st home was a fish tank. We had no knowledge about cages. And she would jump out of it every night and sleep on my mother’s chest causing her much fright. Mickey was a joy, she would run to the neighbour’s home and steal papad (indian chips). Then one day, i was playing with her on the bed. Mickey fell down and broke her foreleg. That was her 1st visit to the vet. She was given some medicines. And then we passed by a pet shop, my younger sister “baby”(we call her baby) insisted and threw tantrums she wanted this rabbit which looked just like the horse from “Black beauty” with a white star on his forehead. That was how Mickey got her husband.

Jimmy

Jimmy was alot alot younger than Mickey. Mickey was unhappy with having a new rabbit but she slowly accpepted him and started sharing her food. Jimmy unlike Mickey was always a clean rabbit. He had a partcular place as his toilet. He would never pee around the house. Mickey on the other hand cosidered every part of the house as her toilet. Jimmy introduced Mickey to “TEA”. They both started drinking tea every morning and evening.

They got married

I was still a teenager. And i still played. So in a game, we got both of our rabbits dressed up as indian bride and groom. We even took a pic. I must scan it in. They had flowers sarees and i dont know what else.

Then came the kids..

The kids never stop coming. They had 3 litters. The 1st litter had 5. Mini, Bandit, Xena and Anarkilli. Yes my best friend Xena was finally born on 28th March on a rainy evening at 4pm. Then came the 2nd litter after 2 months. May 5th, Panda my black and white rabbit was born at 8pm under our couch. And on May 6th, Sundari(the one who isnt well now) was born under a bed.

Jimmy and Mickey

Due to having so many children, Mickey began to fall really ill. Jimmy had to be given away. Jimmy had always been a good DAD to his kids. And his favorite daughter was Xena. Mickey passed away shortly.

The children…

Sundari and Panda were initially under the care of their scaredy cat sister Anarkilli. Anarkilli and Xena were rust color rabbits with long black eyelashes. Really pretty. But Anarkilli was the prettier one. Anar had a soft corner for both her younger siblings Panda and Sundari. Bandit just as his name was the theif of the family. A fat burly rabbit who resembles very much like Panda EXCEPT one of his eyes were blue. He conquered the kitchen. And whenever the refrigerator door opens, so does his mouth too. And he steals whatever his rabbit eyes can lay on. Mini and Xena were the best of friends. Mini was a blue eyed male. They were friends. Until they became enemies, and Mini would climb on Xena’s cage and pee all over her. Then they became the best of enemies. Mini passed away when was one years old, unexpectedly one night.

My best friend Xena

Bandit and Anarkilli were given away to a friend of my sister’s. Xena is a very violent rabbit. In fact, she would grunt at you if you were to come near. She had a hot temper. And she didnt like anyone. Everyone in the family were scared of her. I began to love her on the day her mother passed away. Micky was very dear to me. Mickey squealed out loud in pain when was passing away, and at that time Xena banged her cage as if trying to help her mother. Xena was very very upset. Seeing that, her younger siblings panda and sundari did the same. Ever since that, i decided to become close to her. I would point my finger at her and tell her softly, “Nose scratch”. And i would scratch the air to tell her i am going to pet her. And then, slowly xena will stick out her nose. Ever since that, Xena loved me.

Xena has her own invisible enemies. She would chase her “enemies” around like a dog. She would bite any stranger she didnt like. And she loved tea. She would sleep beside me and let me sing to her. She has a few favorite songs.She could take the elevator down. She would run to you (in love but its look violent) and you find yourself screaming and running away from her. She would bully her younger brother and sister, by stealing their food and chewing right at their face. She taught them how to open their cage with their teeth. Panda was a slow learner and never could master it. Xena never had the patience to teach him.  She often bit Sundari and even attemped to bite her neck once. But sundari had always admired her sister and loved her deeply.

Xena’s demise

Xena my good friend, one day started rolling on the ground. And that was when the vet said she had a growth a sort of tumor near her ear. I really cant bng myself to write all that happened. But i spent many sleepless nights feeding her and talking to her. Xena could never belance herself, her inner ear drum was affected. She couldnt walk or run. Her head was tilted to a 90 degrees. It was a heartahe to watch her suffer. We spent alot of moeny trying to save her. The doctor said a surgery would be too dangerous for Xena. It was a very painful time for me. She was like a daughter to me. I would sleep all night beside her. I had a fear if she were to toss and sleep in a wrong position and suffocate herself. Xena later on showed that she was doing better. She would show me that she can around carpets. But her head was still terrbily tilted. It was as if she assuring me she is fine. Then one night, she fell terribly ill. Her heartbeat was getting weak. And i carried her on my shoulders like a baby. I told her to eat, and she attempted. But i found that she couldnt chew. I couldnt help but cry. After some time, i cried to God and told her i never got enough of being with Xena and told God i dont want to see go. I left her on my bed and kissed her. I couldnt sleep beside her as i was scared i might sleep on her. When i woke up at 4am, i realise her body was warm. Bt Xena had passed away.

Sundari,,

Sundari was very upset. She felt we did something to Xena. She searched the whole house for her sister. That night, i decided to take panda and let him enjoy some air con.Sundari was very over protective and got mad. Later on Sundari began to understand that it wasnt our fault Xena passed away. Its so strange that rabbits behave like humans.

Now sundari..

I am still worried for her. Sundari is still the most sensitive rabbit in the house. She always feels that we must hold her and that means affection. I really hope she pulls through. I really really hope…

a ray of hope…

I am back from the vet. Thanks to God, i came across a website that explained what the rabbit might be suffering from. Some gas or i dont know whats the name. I read up and went to the vet and spewed out all the details. And he was helpful enough and gave sundari an injection. The abdominal massage the website mentioned put life back to sundari. She seemed more responsive.

I am looking at her as i type. She is back to being lethargic sleeping on the couch. Maybe she is tired after the trip. If she sucessfully pulls through tonight,she might have a good chance of surviving.

I have to also consider that my sweethearts are old. I love them alot. And i hope they live longer ..maybe till i die. But thats wishful thinking. Hopefully, she pulls through. I guess hope and faith are the most important items i should bring in the road to recovery. I have to believe that sundari will make it. And i will stand in prayer tonight and beg to God she will be okay and i hope she doesnt give up and fight for her life as well.

After i am settled with sundari, i have to keep in mind thta i need to get a job where i can earn enough for the rest of my dance classes and workshops. Dance is the only thing that brought me back to life after the incident with that man. And i have decided to dedicate my holidays in perfecting the art. I mean these are the only things i am left with, that can actually put a smile on my face.

Signs of death..

I am writing with a very heavy heart as i look at my rabbit sundari across me, sitting in absolute silence looking into the distance. I hdnt had much of sleep since yesterday. The grooming had frightened her alot. She is suffering from sores on her hind legs and paws. Something which isnt suppose to be serious. But, today she hadnt eaten a single bite. She drank some tea in the morning. She didnt even eat a small slice of cake i had been trying to entice her with. I checked her jaws. It seems locked. I feel frightened cos all these arent good signs.

 She is already 7 years old. She was born in my old house with her twin brother panda. Her nature is rather timid and she does understand english and malayalam. She seems to look up to her older sister Xena, who is very much like her name. Unfortunaletly, Sundari can never be her. Xena was my favorite pet. She takes elevators down and has a hot temper like me. She loves tea and she loved me vry much.

I slept with sundari yesterday comforting her and telling her to eat. But she refused to. I brought her brother over to comfort her. She usually bites him or grunts when he comes near. Panda is the slowest learner in the family. In fact, xena and sundari boycotted him. They never really taught him the art of opening their own cage. Panda has weaker teeth than them. He later manageed to open it by himself. Pnada has other ways of getting things done. Example, being very loving to my father. Whereas Xena simply bit my father’s nose. She was more like the enemey of the state.

Sundari sat near her brother and kept each other warm. Panda licked her face and tidied her whiskers. It hurt me cos they were such cute pair. I am left with two options. Either to bring sundari over to the vet again and see why her jaws are locking. (Really they wld recommend liquid food) or just go straught to the vet and buy the food and try stuffing it to sundari’smouth. But i am scared she might not chew it like Xena couldnt on the last day of her life. I looked at her just now, she shifted her position and continues to wander in her own thoughts.

I am very used to this. I have never seen a real human die. But seeing all my kids leave me, i cant help but to cry. I hope this doesnt sound childish or anything. I might have gotten my motherly instincts from here. Its usually me cleaning and doing the dirty job. But i feel no pain in doing that cos i love these idiots so much. Right now, i feel really scraed that sundari might not be able to make it. I shall stand in prayer at nights and hope to God that she survives. Sundari did survive a terrible disease last year, i hope God helps me again this time.

A short bellydance video performance and lesson 3

Some yummy info on Bellydance 

Okay i am back, this time with slightly more challenging steps. In this short video, i introduced shimmies. Shimmies are body vibrations that is said to have been originated from Africa. In my previous video, i introduced Genie arms. Genie arms look odd, mainly because dancers last time wore veils to cover their mouths and they couldnt tugged it to their hair, therefore they had to hold their veils manually and dance, that is why it looks odd.

Bicycle hip

This is challenging. I would tell you to imagine riding a bicycle. Imagine a wheel moving forward and make your hip move in a circle. Remeber, to stick that ass out. With practise, you should be able to do it.

Hip drops/ front and sides

You can add accents (jerks) to your hips, making it look vigrorous, like ive done here. Your front hip drops looks great with omi combos. You can see an example in my short performance towards the end of the video.

Some interesting info on performance from Shira

The Do’s and DO NOTS of bellydance

THE DO’S

Place a turban or Arab headdress on someone when it’s his birthday and pose for pictures with him.

Grab an audience member’s hand when pulling him or her up to dance with you.

Touch your audience victim’s hips with your hands in an attempt to make him/her try to shimmy them.

Teach a line dance in which everyone is holding hands, including you.

THE DO NOTS

• Never place your breasts on either side of a bald man’s head and then shake them.
• Never shimmy your breasts in a man’s face.
• Never sit on an audience member’s lap, even if you know him. (The rest of the audience won’t realize that you know him, and they’ll think you’re trying to seduce a stranger in public.)
• Never engage in openly seductive behavior while dancing, such as licking your lips sensuously, doing vigorous forward-and-back pelvic thrusts, or twirling your hair around one finger while undulating directly in front of a specific audience member.

My opinion

Sometimes i wonder, bellydance needs so much concentration that i wonder when people stereotype us as trying to seduce a guy. A hip drop can be really really painful when done continously. How on earth with so much pain would we be able to seduce a man

More interesting facts

I read once, that this dance helped women express themselves as their feelings were often surpressed. Keep in mind, that this dance can be really painful even though its a joy when you start learning it. We are often taught to smile despite the concentration when dancing. Was this to teach women indirectly to conceal their feelings during oppression. I dont know. But, its a sudden thought and it had always made me wonder. As for me, i am enjoying this art form, even though i do still find men thinking that this is an erotic art form. And i just think they are dumb, cos bellydance still looks scary to me. Its like some magic show! I really dont understand guys….

A MANLY MALE BELLYDANCER from Australia

He is nothing compared to the dancing Diva Zenne whose video i had put in my previous entry. Zenne looked a little gayish. But this guy is really a man. He dances with so much of manliness. But his techniques are nothing compared to Zenne.

bELLYdance lesson 2 /A bellydancer’s dilemma

 

I am very sad to say i was about to private all my videos because of some harsh comments from my sister’s friends. They werent too happy and labelled me as someone who dances in a bra. And its sad they dont understand that all these videos are linked to my blog for people to learn from. I do feel happy when i recieve emails from women who appreciate me teaching online. Some who actually wanted to learn the art of indian bellydance. Something which i actually fusioned. Lol. And i was upset. To be honest, ever since my seperation with that man, this dance helped me move on. It has become more than passion to me. I reflected to my best friend God and asked God why this is happening. And then God opened my eyes…

Ray and a friend Michael

Ray is the only sensible person i talk to. Ray told me INTENTION matters. I am not doing this to attarct or seduce men. Even though sometimes i recieve comments. Its not for that purpose. Ray told me to be strong and continue but strctly label my videos stating its for educational purposes. And so i did. Michael , this guy who messages me on youtube, told me to have a talk with my mother. I am very careful when i dress for performances becuase i dont wish to attarct or seduce anyone. Now i dont feel guilty anymore or afraid i might be doing this to seduce men. My conscience is clear thanks to God.

A club

I was frustarted. And then i decided to ask if i can open a club on this dance to clear people’s misconception. I hope it doesnt eat into my study time. Studies is my only proirty for now, as i am already old. And i cant afford to waste my time. I am hoping to rope in staff like Kristine so they may benefit from it. And if i start a club i would make them learn indian bellydancing instead of bellydancing. Indian bellydancing has inetresting expression. Let us see how it goes. Maybe Wendy can join in too.

A MALE BELLYDANCER

This man made me generate new energy. His dance is beautiful. And i hate to see when people comment he is gay.But i think he is very very handsome. He has such bautiful features! A guy who dances isnt gay. And i didnt feel turned on watching him. Therefore, i come to the conclusion that bellydance isnt sexy dance cos i wasnt turned on watching this guy shaking his ass. AND I AM VERY STRAIGHT. Plus he frightened me a little. Cos his muscles sticked on and so did his bones, i was afraid they might come off.

Thank you God for clearing my conscience. You will always be my BEST FRIEND!

A bellydance performance for all of you!

Its been one week since i posted anything on bellydancing. In fact, i am exploring more hand movements in this video. We have four basic arms. Snake arms, genie arms, cairo arms and L arms. I had a very good lesson with my teacher. She told me that one of my favorite twin bellydancers is pregnant! Thats great news!! I combined all in a performance. Shirin called me and told me i am really good except that i should concntrate on isolation of body parts. She also told me that when i dance i seem to be in extreme pain. And i know i dont smile, that was why when i was in the float, i made sure i smiled at all those people who were looking at me with shock or was it surprise.

Amazement?

I dont know if its my imagination or Singaporean people havent seen a bellydancer. It just shocks them so much that a hip can move with so much flexibility. I can remmeber one man from the audience who was watching me mesmerized. And i couldnt help but flash him a smile. Its sad that this people dont know that in bellydance you can really do miracles. In fact, i am not a great dancer. But it makes me happy to see how surprized this people actually are!!  I am glad i smiled alot when i was dancing. I wasnt frightened at all. Nor nervous. Maybe because i am so used to teaching that i am not afraid of crowds anymore. I am also glad my clothes was reasonably conservative. And even though i danced vigorously i didnt sweat a drop which is really strange. The others were really sweating!!

Movie with Ryan

I am so happy that Ray and i got the best actor ever. Ryan is being such a sweetheart by agreeing to act for us. Even though, i am glad i dont have to pay him. I make sure his stomach gets good food. I realised i will just make him one of the main characters of the movie. And it will all be short scenes. I guess he will become famous in NP for his dialouge, “You stupid NOOB!”.And not to forget my other sweethearts who acted for us. I am planning to cook a good dinner for all my children of T1B2. I will miss them. It reminded me of the times when i teach, the kids leave u someday. And i kind of expected the same. In fact, i am used to it. I am anticipating our new movie’s outcome. Its hilarious to the core. And it wouldnt have been possible without Ryan. He really agreed for all the comical roles. Maybe i should invite him for the T1B2 dinner as a tribute for him. Only if he is free. And Wendy wendy wendy! I really will miss her. I am trying to keep our friendship through my movies and blogs. I love making her laugh. She is a real sweetheart. I should bake her some cakes too! Its her encouragment that keeps the wacky side of me alive!

My movie and its risks

I really dont care. I am a bit of a gambler. I guess its because i sat at the pit bottom of failure at one point of my life, i am not afraid anymore. I experimented with some totally mad scenes with my movie tonight. I am not sure what people will think. Bt it made me roll with laughter. I am taking life as it is. Education as knowledge. My dad is right, i take this course as a hobby. For the sake of knowledge and playing with my creativity. Ray asks me how come i am so cool. When i was younger, all these grades and achievments matter to me alot. Now it doesnt. Education is not a ladder for a good job. I take it as knowledge. And thom asks me what were my plans. I will say the same again. Make a few movies, do great achievemnts. Retire real early. I guess i would be 35 or 40 lol. Make sure i am good mother to my kids and have great sex with my husband and then die in peace…

I wonder what Thom would say to that.

It reminds me of the time when i dragged Ray to lingerie shop and it striked me that its wrong to bring a naive teenager there, that i had to U turn and bring her elsewhere. And i asked her if she would ever be interested in lingerie. And she told me…why would the future president need that? And i told her…wont the future president want them for….

Cute strange creature. Lol

NDP DANCE VIDEO

Well well well. I have posted two videos. One is Raw. One is a video tribute.

 

Please listen carefully to the video. Apparently the one who is recording it is having a conversation with a friend. See what they comment about me…

She: Oh My God!!! Is she a teacher?

He: Staff

Everyone who interviewed me in this float refused to believe i was a student. And refused to believe when i said i wasnt a lecturer!!

Forget me. Please watch the video tribute to all the performers. See how Melanie is rocking the dance floor with pom poms…Hmm…it must be all that clubbing….

SPECIAL THANKS

To james, kelvin and Jonathan

I know they hardly had limelight. That is why i slowed them, reversed them and effected them in the video!