A Bellydancer’s Sad Story (edited)

Well i just got time to blog about this performance. Cos i fell pretty sick after this performnce. Its now being a norm for me to fall sick right after a performance. Mom claims its evil eyes. Lol. N josh will probably laugh over the chillies again. Cos my mom believes chillies ward off evil eyes!

Well back to the topic. I am a very honest person. And i will admit that…

This wasnt my best performance. N i know it. But mistakes lead to perfection and i am not ashamed to admit.

Well that day was a bad day. Cos i had a severe fight with my sister a day before. N it was all on my mind. She was supposed to help me out for this day. Well she did in the end. But it affected me cos i was trying to get someone there with me to get my clothes on right cos ive a phobia of clothes dropping off in a performance. So my mother’s friend was nice enough to pop by. Unfortunately…no one could come over and lend a little hand. So the day of my performance was spent searching. I couldnt relax at all.

Well family is family. They all came down and supported me. Usually i dont bring my family along cos my mother doesnt understand the art of bellydance. But she did come down and lend her support. N so did this guy called Chin Eng. Thank you very much! He took time to come all the way to jiayou (cheer) me!

So my day was rotten. To add more onto the rottenness….my sister forgot my coin belt. So 5 mins before the performance.. i was freaking out. I felt miserable!

Also honestly i dont work well with choreographies. I am rather used to do doing solos and freestyle. Cos choreographies make me think and doesnt put me in the “feeling”. N if you are doing a group performance…if you do smtg wrong…it will be VERY OBVIOUS!

This choreo was actually taught by my teacher Ms.Yuki. She is a amazing lady with lots of charisma. I love her lessons. She is full of energy and she perfected us and prepared us. But she couldnt be there for the show! Cos she had to go China to judge a bellydance contest.

Dramapro & Dance

Well My lecturer Mr, Millians taught us smtg which i think is really true. He teaches me about drama at my school. This applies for acting and dancing as well. Cos dancing is another form of acting according to me He said…we should be in the MOMENT. When actors are given too many instructions…they think too much when they are acting and cant be the character. You cant pretend…you have to be it.

Well my face is a fine example of bad technique. I was thinking of… “Shit…do i do it left or right”. So i looked lost according to my sister.   N i know i did. I am usually happy when i see my audience. I become a character  in the stage. I smile…i interact with them. But that day…i couldnt. We are all actors…we act everyday of our lives. What i am on stage is totally different from what i am in real life.

Also i am doing a choreographed dance aftter a long time. So i couldnt be in the moment.

Shame on me! Cos audience are important. They spend time transport to come n see you. N you dont even smile? That really sucks! So i felt terrible after everything. My 100% wasnt there!!

What did i learn?

Yame is a fellow dancer…i know her from youtbe. She said to me not to worry and dont think of aytg when you r on stage. Even if you screw up…they would not know. Just dont show it. I think its true. We all screw up. Its human nature. I rather learn now that this could happen…Then never.

I also have decided to get things ready before a performance. N get reliable people to be there and help me work this through. Or learn how to adjust costume cockups.

Professionalism

Well i am learning…and i will never end learning. I am planing to go and do bellydance courses after i graduate from my current school. Cos you will definitely pick up more. Especially from different teachers,

I watched my teacher perform and i really could feel i have to learn more. I take dance very seriously. I look at her and see how she transitions from oe step to another. Its a part i am trying to work my way through. I am not an expert nor am i perfect. I will have to work my way to perfectionism. Cos dance is serious business. She flows and be someone on stage. I have to be that character on stage too.

I am glad that many people are nice enough to leave comments and make me feel better. My main objective is to make sure i never disappoint anyone with my dance. There were two nice gals who came up to me ad said i did a good job. But i had this inner guilt that i know i didnt reach my own expectations, In fact i failed miserably.

Oh yes.. Did i tell you i lost my earrings as well :’(

Costume & Makeup

Many people liked my costume. My costume was bought online. N it was tailored for me cos i cant buy regular bellydance costumes cos i like certain designs and i usually dont dance in a bellydance bra. Cos i prefer people ogling my dance rather than my body. Bellydance is ART not sex. Also i like certain colors and certain designs especially coins. So i get it tailored for myself. It also helps me stand out from regular bellydance costumes. So i kind of prefer it this way Well this costume is technichally a bra. But i got the gaunlets really long to make like a sleeves. My long hair covers the fact that its actually a bra. It makes me feel less naked and helps me concetrate on my dance rather than… “Oh … is my boobs gona pop out?”

Anyways…I tried new makeup. My friend taught me blending. This is one thing i should thank her for. N i am atleast happy that came out well Well scroll down for pics. I used Black track MAC…Mac Kohl…and Red Earth brown eyeshadow with loreal mascara Also the foundation is Bobbi Brown.  The lip stick is a mixure of NYC & ZA. I also put foundation on my lips as a base to give that nude look to bring out my eyes. N i covered with the above two lipsticks. If you guys wanna breakdown of how i did it. Read the makeup section of this blog.

Requests and unfulfilled requests!

I recieve many requests everyday. And i would say yes to them if they are decent and good teaching material. But sometimes i am overwhelmed with it.  And it could also happen that i am unable to do yours anymore. So please dont feel upset about it. I am schooling as well so i can only do ones that i have time for. Or it could be that your requests may be done even a couple of months later. So i hope you can understand my situation.

Also i cant teach you choreographies that dont belong to me. Cos its a bit unfair to the actual choreographer. So i am extremely sorry about that.

Do send in your requests still. If i am able to do it… it will certainly be up. But you have to be patient. Sometimes it can take even months. i usually take all my requests seriously except for ones that try to defame bellydance.

HIP HOP BELLYDANCE WITH “DETENTION”

Hi guys

I know its been a long time since i posted any video. Some of you guys were worried as well. I was busy with semester not quite feeling well too. In the meantime, i was working with Joshua Simon, as classmate of mine to perform on Singapore’s National Day. Joshua is really amazing to work with, and im dreadfully sorry that i couldnt attend his many rehearsals cos i was super sick and the semester was really killing me. Joshua was really very patient. I learnt alot working with his amazing team. I am not so good with names.  But i really love you all.

Hip Hop and bellydance

Hip hop has very familiar steps with bellydance. They have hip drops, chest lifts figure 8s. It was pretty easy for me to learn. But i had one problem. Hip Hop has a totally different attitude. It has power and oomph. It was pretty difficult for me adjusting and changing my feminine style to something with alot of power. By nature, im a very soft person. So its hard for me to project power. I might have been able to do it if i had a lot more time. The first person who taught me some hip hop moves was ZEF. Its a good thing i found his friendster, i am not too good with names but i recog faces alot better. Zef was patient and very careful when he was teaching making sure i do alright.

Hip Hop needs alot of strength and attitude. Earlier on, i spoke about facial expressions. Hip Hop is another of those dance artforms you shouldnt be smiling too much in.  Bellydance needs multi tasking, patience and passion. Hip hop even though its easier (atleast to me) needs energy. Hip hop has very big movements that are easily visible on stage.

Dance : Other Forms

I really admired most of the dancers there. They come from different dance backgrounds. We had a Malay dancer and a contemporary dancer as well on stage. Khairani did Malay dance and ive always known that art form for being graceful. Maybe culture plays a part as well. Malay women are particularly graceful in their movements. Khairani did a great job. Reagon did contemporary dance. I really admired his dance skills. He is the guy flying around in the video. His movements are big and really catches attention on stage. Extremely graceful as well. He has a background in contemporary dance, He is one one of the dancers i really admired there.

Cheerleaders

There was a cheerleader girl. Joshua was doing some of those cheerleading tricks where you carry a person up and make her stand on your shoulders. That was really amazing to watch. Even though, i was frightened she might have an accident. She looked really fragile.

Chinese dancer

Amanda if i remmeber clearly told me about her background in chinese dance. She seemed very interested in bellydance. I really hope she can take it up some time. She did manage to learn an inner hip circle at the end of it.

BIG MOVEMENTS ON STAGE

There was something interesting i learnt from this girl. I am sorry i dont know her name. She’s got dark curly hair ( in case you are reading this

She suggested i needed bigger movements espcially on a big stage. I agree with her. I remember one of my bellydance teachers telling me about bellyrolls. Bellyrolls are movements of three stomach muscles that may not be too visible on a stage, so she suggested undulations (the movement of your pelvis) Both movements look familiar but undulations are alot more bigger. Shimmies can be replaced with turkish shimmies to look more big on stage.  Belly rolls are fascinating but its not too visible. As a dancer, its important to take over the stage. Travelling steps , veil work and big movements give you power. Bellydance doesnt have that much of travelling steps compared to hip hop or contemporary dance. So its important to plan out your movements.

Wings of Isis is a good way to show how big you are on the stage. The thing is, you should know how to control it. I was hoping to use wings of isis, but i didnt have time to practise with it. Furthermore, i dont own one. This is one way to take over the stage. But big movements are not always good, one shoud have a mixture.

Taking in mind where you are performing?

Bellydancers perform everywhere! Its important to take note of your space. I watched an interesting clip which talks about space.

We perform at stages restuarants and festivals. This clip kind of elaborates how to make use of this space to our advantage. I got reminded of this clip when the curly haired girl spoke to me. Im sorry i have to describe you this way, i really dont know ur name.

When we are in smaller spaces we can afford to do tiny movements like an egyptian shimmy and bellyrolls. It looks more sensual that way.

COSTUMES

Ive to thank Sakuntala Aunty. Shes my mom’s friend.

I cant speak tamil for nuts. But she really had patience with my broken tamil mixed with malayalam. She really did my costume well and made sure it didnt fall off. I am afraid of losing clothes during a performance. This costume i got it from egypt. Its alot prettier that the ones here and alot cheaper as well!

Special thanks

Detention group. All of you. The sweet little girl who had the song in the phone. Zef, Kairani, Amanda, Josh and all the others .

Angel who missed the performance but still came to support. She;s my really close friend

The lady who recorded the entire event

BELLYDANCE HAFLA SHOW

Hello there people, Thanks for all the support. I can finally update my blog now that I & E is over

MY DRUM SOLO

 OUR GROUP BELLYDANCE (JOH TING, KRISTIN, ZELDA)

MY SLOW BELLYDANCE(BELLYDANCER/SNAKECHARMER)

BEHIND THE SCENES- SPECIALLY 4 YOUTUBE FROM JENN

Hello guys, i am updating my blog after such a long time, I had to use my blog to promote our event. So i had to wait till its all over so i can start writing again. And i am glad i can. And now that i can, i am suddenly blank.

This entire Hafla show was for our I & E at school. It was a very tough thing to do. We had been through alot to get this done. For the first time, i had to teach a simple choreography to group of girls in just one week

The group is made of a very cool admin staff called Kristin, a spontaneous lecturer called Joh ting and lastly a classmate of mine, Zelda.  Well only 2 of them in this trio have some idea of what bellydance is. And poor Kristin had to learn from scratch in just one week. Its a very hard thing to do. Even though i was very guilty. Being a perfectionist, i would love to see them all do perfectly. But due to lack of time, i had to make sure they do their best. And they did.

They made it to practise almost everyday. Teaching is not an easy thing to. I appreciate all my dance teachers now. What one person can do effortlessly may not be easy for another. Plus Bellydance is a muscle dance. Its hard to make your student move her own muscles. You can point it to her, hold her and force it. But in the end, only she can move herself. These were some difficulties i faced.

My choreo

I didnt like fusion. Not for Basic bellydance. I do fusion all the time, but i dont know why i decided to stay away from it this time, If you look carefully, the choreo is very very basic bellydance just made to look cute. This is my original choreography and i am proud to say that. I didnt copy it from anywhere. I watched couple of youtube vids and did something simple. The girls cant do very complicated steps.

All of them are in different levels. So i had to simplify without making it look less cute. I played with patterns. I loved patterns ever since i was a child. And you guys wanna know a secret. I didnt even have time to choreograph this in advance before i taught to them. I choreographed this over 5 days. On the spot, i will teach them somethig…then i come back next day and teach them another thing.  That means i just kept adding onto the choreo as i went. Adding more and more until we finished the song.

Originally i wanted to do only 1 minute. But we finished the whole song!!! Its tough. Cos being a perfectioist, i like being ahead of things. And i had no time! But thank god, its sucessfully done.

Women power!

Thats a cheesy title. But i learnt real sisterhood and what is bellydance all about what after this session. I chose to hold hands and shimmy cos it builds confidence and it builds love for this artform. Thats why i never wanted to get paid for teaching. Cos when money rolls in,,,we might love the money more than the passion. You might call me crazy and young. But i rather not mix money with passion

DRUM SOLO

Due to lack of time, i went unchoreographed. You can see my mistakes. I realize that a drum solo is all about recognition of beat. Now i realize wht is beladi and saidi beat all about. And to what rhytmns we can shimmy and to what we cant. So since i had the memory and some vocabulary of dance moves, i mixed it all on the spot and did this.

I played around my clapping to ma audinece. Its something i saw Ariadne doing once. Since my hands is always sloppy, i gaf it some work by clapping.

Also what i liked about expressions was the way i did funny stuff to make them laugh. It lightens up the mood and wipes away anything “Sexual” about the dance. And i haf a sense of humour, so i mixed it up here. I really want people to look at me as a dancer and not look at me sexually. Thats why im careful with my dressing. I chose to cover my stomach with tattoos as well. So much of the attention will be on the dance than on me.

BELLYDANCER /SNAKECHARMER

Lets say….never do a slow dance after a drum solo. It didnt work out too well here. I couldnt transition myself from fast to slow very well. Usually i can dance slow. But here, i cant. Cos i just couldnt. So i need to make a mental note to myself regarding this.

And its hard when you cant see a shadow or a mirror image of urself when dancing. So i had difficulty. Plus going unchoreographed for this was a terrible idea. But strangely enough people liked it. I might go and take up tribal bellydance after egyptian style of bellydance course.

GROUP PERFORMANCE

The ladies did well. And they had fun doing it. They all looked gorgeous. Joh Ting is blessed with easys eyes to work on. And Kristin looked like an Egyptian princess. The silver outfit did match Zelda like i predicted even though she refused to believe me at 1st Tanned skinned people should stick with gold…and lighter toned people should go for silver. Thats why i chose silver for her.

Do you guys wanna know why i looked weak while dancing…

My bra felt like it was gonna drop out. I had protection underneath…but its embarassing still. I mean i dont want to expose my boobs out. (Jenn wld have been happy). Thats why u see me calling jenn after dance…i did adjusted my bra atleast twice in this dance sequence. I have a phobia of losing my clothes while dancing. I hope to God that never happens to me!!! Ameen!

Conclusion

I will take a short break. I want to just dance around for myself with no pressure. I am going to work on more with weight belts. The girls claimed weights helped them. Even though i was not happy giving weights to Zelda. Cos she doesnt have the basic skills yet…and it can b VERY DANGEROUS. Thats why i didnt gif weights to zelda and kristin. Joh ting improved a great deal with weights. She should really buy one. This is why i repeatedly tell dancers that you have to be intermediate level to use weights. I really hope you guys respect my advise.

Future Plans…

I will continue to perform. I will upload them. I am going to finish veil work in one week. And absent minded me LEFT MY VEIL BEHIND IN DANCE CLASS TODAY!!!!! N i hope they still have it. I am getting slightky better in remebering choreography cos i have an amazing teacher who massages us after class

I need to work on veil. I have too little space at home and i end up relying on class time which is very very bad. I need to be more graceful. The more i practise, the better i will be….Hopefully.

Next i will move to drum solo Then i will finally know all my mistakes ive been doing…

After my course… i will continue with advance classes…and plan to take up samba during holidays. After egyptian bellydance, i will join another school for tribal bellydance classes. I want to learn different styles in this artform.

My dream…

I wish to learn Turkish bellydance someday. All the workshops i want to attend keep getting cancelled. I was saving up for them.

Failures are not stop signs they are guide lines

I am not too happy with cam & light assignment grades. Not at all.  I have decided to face reality and dicuss what went wrong. Thats the only way i can learn. But also i am very frightened of my lecturer and i have a weak heart, so if he says smtg bad, i might faint. I hope i get constructive criticism …than destructive criticism. I am bringing my “daughter” ray along for support.  I love cinematography…and small things can cripple your confidence. So i need to know what happened so i can learn from it. Everyone starts out from somehwre… I mean Sergio Leone was a coffeeboy!!

Thats all

Sabreena

Genieshanu & MichelleSonho’s Samba bellydance experiment

Hello there. I have finally uploaded our little experiment. Before i write my usual details i would love  to share with you two good news

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELADI

Beladi is a male bellydancer who had been trying to promote the masculine side of this artform. I am very proud of him. Its hard to find young people this passionate about something. Beladi had performed couple of times and people have recieved his style warmly. He comes from Spain. God bless you and have a happy birthday. I wish you discover more things and be a better dancer by the day!

bELLYDANCE VIDEOS

Well i hope this more views would help out more people. I once heard of a film where bellydance united many women from the same neighbourhood. I think it was a hongkong film. It was truly inspiring to see how they all united. I had always wanted to do fusion and mix it with another dancer.

Our little experiment

Michelle had been sambaing all her life and lately she had been taking up bellydance lessons. One day she showed me a Karla tem tem video. And from there i wanted to mix samba with bellydance. Brazillian dancers often do that. I did learn samba shimmy before. But i have to tell you it is not quite the same. It adds an interesting touch to samba suddenly in your dance. It can surprise your audience as well. Obviously my Samba is nothing compared to Michelle. She does it really well.

More experiments

The reason why i wanted to do this is because i do not know much dancers locally. And it difficult to find really passionate people who take time mixing art forms. So by luck i met Michelle. And she inspires me as she is from an artistic background. Her father plays percussion as well. I would love to experiment with more people. And you guys can contact me regarding that. Dance is mainly about passion and one has to find the most creative ways to keep igniting that passion.

What i learnt from Michelle

Enthusiasm and expressions is what i learnt from her. I had emphasized body movement and facial expressions so much here on this blog. When i said smile, i meant something from the heart. And you can see that in Michelle. I cant smile like that for nuts. I am such a Grinch . She has that naturally. Dancers are different. If you are going to smile, smile from the heart. And it isnt those seductive type of smile, it is spontaneous and energetic.

Seema’s question on proper bras

When bellydancing or doing any form of exercises, please be reminded to wear a bra in the first place. I know this is a surprising statemnet. But i have come across women who do without one. You would end up with noodles for breasts ten years down the road I know there are many types of bras in the market, push ups, sports etc. Most people suggest a sports bra during practise. I feel thats good. But honestly i dont use a sport’s bra even when performing i avoid the fancy bras like push ups. (I dnt own one in da 1st place ) The main idea is if you are comfortable in one type of a bra, go with it. As long as you are practising with one. 

This applies to costumes as well. Wear one which is comfortable so you cab breathe in it and be yourself!

Dancers and accidents

This is one of the feared things during performance. I have this fear everytime i enter the stage. Once a teacher told me that a performer’s bra dropped off while she was dancing and she was so embarrased by it. I do not perform in bras but i think i can whip up some ideas for it. My 1st costume was made of a cardigan and a bra. But i was very paranoid that i had another normal bra underneath the costume bra. And i secured the strap very carefully so i wont drop it and even if i do i wont be so embarrased. I still had the cardigan underneath.

Apart from costuming, another aspect is safety of your costume. Try practsing with ur costume a night before the performance.

Apart from clothes dropping off, coins or part of the costume can drop off too. If its nothing major keeP dancing. Remeber the show must go on. When coins fall it can be quite a problem, sometimes the coin can cause injuries to your feet. I have seen dancers who continue dancing gracefully despite such embarassments.

Weightbelts

Ive heard many requests again for this one. I am trying to do a totally new one which explains where i keep the weights in my body as i dance. Then again weights are quite dangerous so i hope you guys use it cautiously.

More experiments and requests

I would be uploading a request video soon. And if you would love to experiment pls drop me a email. We can cook up something together

A montage of me made by Pawn1787 (John)

This montage was made by John. Well i have to really thank you. I think that was really sweet of you to send me this. You made my day!

A Honest post

Today i am in a mood to pour my heart out. I have friends who tell me not to tell too much on a blog. But i cant help being honest. Ive nothing to pretend or hide about. I guess everyone feels the same way i do. We are all human after all. Today after John sent me this video, i started thinking to myself. Ive got various reactions from people when they know about my blog.

I started this blog mainly because i loved bellydance a little too much. Ive even got a friend who tells me that i am expressing my frustrations through art. Bellydance gave me freedom to explore and experiment. Maybe its my nature to dwell into things people forbid or have a dim view of. The moment you tell people you are a bellydancer, you have people thinking, “stripper?”.

There were times when i wake up in the morning and think what i am doing with myself. Or sometimes i wonder what people think about this indian girl who comes from a conservative culture and religion dancing on the web. Do people think sexually about the whole thing.  There were even times i thought of taking down the videos. Each time i feel like that, i recieve an email from a bellydancing sister or fan of bellydance telling me how much it means to them. The main reason why i started all this was because i didnt have a teacher. And i ended up with the wrong teachers in the beginning. I dont want people to have the passion but not the opportunity to learn. Maybe learning from videos isnt as effective as learning in a class. But atleast you learn and share something.

All the stuff you guys do for me, i really appreciate it. The emails, comments and the videos. It makes me think i am in the right path. It makes me feel a little better of myself. When people talk about what i do, i am honestly shy about it. I try to avoid the subject. Cos deep inside my heart, i had been afraid of what people think of me. I am not the sort of person that wants attention or want people to mistake what i do as sexual. Those who are with me, i have to thank all of you that none of you think like that. I am also glad that ive managed to be a form of help to all of you.

Another thing ive to thank all of you guys for are the comments and suggestions. By listening to your comments ive managed to correct my mistakes. By researching your questions, ive learnt alot more about this artform. I am also glad that the people who are with me have a great impression of bellydance. Ive heard from so many men who loves belydancing more than women. Ive seen John’s page and the time he spends compiling floorwork bellydance videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/Pawn1787

I will post more videos. And do keep sending me your questions. I might be a little late in answering them. Its great to share knowledge, you learn alot more that way. Thanks alot.

 

Sabreena

Experimental Bellydance- Requiem for a Dream

Hello there. I am back again with another experiment in bellydance. This time i am dancing to my favorite classical piece called REQUIM FOR A DREAM. Many people hardly listen to classical pieces these days. It may sound strange, but ive got many classical pieces in my mp3. It relaxes me and makes me imagine. My main point for this experiment is that we can bellydance to any music. I had used alot of slow belly dance techniques here. I haf a great intrest towards tribal and tribal fusion bellydance. I tried using alot of earthy steps. I did most of my mayas flat on my feet rather than my toes.

I didnt quite use alot of travelling steps. I used to have a sunflower toy in my childhood. When you turn the button on, it will start making a snakey dance to “fur elise” of Beethoven. Thats another favourite piece of mine. So i used that as an inpiration and imitated what the toy did. Making snake like movements just standing in one place. So please excuse me for not travelling around.

I hardly choreograph nowdays. I just do random practises. I dont quite have the time. But when you stop restrciting urself to choreography you ted to be more smooth in your movements. If not most of your mind will be concetrating on keeping up with the choreography rather than feeling the music.

Weights?

I had been discussing with a good bellydancer friend of mine that is Daniel about using weights and practising. Some bellydancers say a big “NO NO” to this. Whereas some swear that it helps them improve. I couldnt quite afford Delilah’s weight belt for bellydancers, so i settled for a scuba diving weight belt with 2 pounds of weight on each side of my hip.

Honestly i would not suggest very basic learners to use weights. In bellydance its pretty important to know which muscle to move. Even if its just a hip circle. You need to know the proper technique. I would suggest intermediate level dancrs to use it. I am an intermediate dancer myself. But it kind of helped me. It helps you identify where your muscles and helps you move them.

How to practise with weights?

Daniel asked me this question. I am promising a video of me doing various bellydance practise moves with the belt on. So you guys got a rough idea what to do, if you are dead set on getting one. Dont be too ambitious and settle for a weighty belt. Go for the smallest. Even if you are a macho hero. Some dancers say its dangerous. But its not a proven fact. But its important to be cautious.

Other than weights how  do i train my muscles to listen to me?

Various movements are generated from various muscles. I am not an expert. I am just telling you what my teachers taught me. For an example, in the shimmy your back muscles on your thighs are da ones responsible for da movement. What i do is simply is hit the gym atleast twice a week. (I used to go every two days, but thanks to ma school i cant…) I do mostly leg exercises. 2 cycles and the cross trainer. It will make your leg muscles strong and your stamina will increase. You can do your mayas with your feet flat on the ground. Trust me.

For snake arms….i am pretty lazy to practise this. I kind of carry hand weights but i dont think it has helped me much. The sad truth is…DO SNAKE ARMS…feel like you are on water…move every muscle till it hurts…

Crunches and sit ups didnt quite help me with ma belly rolling. I speak to ma muscles. Really. They listen to you after some time. The more you practise the better. The weights helped me a great deal in ma undulations as well.

The grand question on hip scarfs from seema

Seema asked the different styles in tying the hip scarfs. Honestly everyone ties it in front. I think she got confused seeing me tie on the side sometimes. I dont know. Its personel preference. I feel happy when i see many coins jingling, so i tie it on ma side. Its a simple knot. Its not as complicated as the saree.

Where to buy?

Try ebay. It will be alot cheaper than your local bellydance stores. Trust me! Its the same chiffon scarf. You can choose to pay 40 dollars or just 14.

How to sew?

Hmmmm, its a tedious job. I was sewing sequins into a bra. After make two tiny circles on the centre of each cup, i gave up. If you are the determined kind. Get your coins from ebay and get a chiffon cloth and start sewing.

Brief history on hipscarfs

This i heard from an old teacher of mine. In the past, women lived in fear and were always on the run. Its like you may have to leave home any day or choose to get married or kidnapped to someone you dont quite fancy, So families sew their wealth or gold coins onto scarfs and tied it on their daughters so they could escape and they had money for their living and expenses.

Gold coins- rich family

-Silver coins- poorer families.

*Forgive ma typos

Drum solos BREAKDOWN

 

I am back pretty quick this time with another unchoreographed drum solo. This is what i do late into the nights after an outing. Dance. I had always liked drum solos. I wanted to boost up my confidence by trying to dance unchoreographed. Ive lately began to admire russian dancer Maria Shashkova. Especially her charisma on stage. Even though most of her dance steps are just shimmies. She does in them in variety. Apart from the muscle training my teacher taught me, i started practising drum solos as well. I can say, its great exercise.

My BIG mistakes 

I can see my mistakes all over the video. I dance too fast. And maybe a bit too sharp. Or could i call that mystyle. I like accents. But observing many bellydancers not all accent themselves that much. But i like the style of Maria. Another fact, i am not FEELING the music. I havent reached the stage yet where dancers are so CONFIDENT that they can melt into the music. I am still in the “not so sure” stages. I know i beat the music. I always do that. Out of fear of missing that step, i dance too fast. And i look like i am going to fly out of the screen. Its like someone is fast forwarding me

Improvments?

Hmm. My transitions have certainly become alot more smoother. I could do transitions well last time. My confidence level has become higher. I dont have to choreograph anything too much. My stamina has certainly gone up! I cant dance fully for a 6 min drum solo. Now i can do it. Yes ive been smiling. I usually frown or look constipated lol. Or sometimes i look like i am dying.

What i learnt?

After dancing drum solos non stop for over a few nights. I learnt a few things.

-You HAVE to know the music

-You DONT need to choreograph anything. Just a rough path to follow

-Dont STOP when you missed a step

-keep SMILING!

I have decided from now on, i will listen to a drum solo. Recognise the beats. Until it becomes my memory. Then, i would try dancing to it. It will be alot more easier. And smoother. Drum solos are KNOWING the music . RECOGNISING and DANCING to it. Its always great to have a group of bellydance friends. Ariadne and i exchange music all the time. Its like, i know there are certain music that she can pull of better. Her intrepretation is always iteresting to watch. I am waiting to see her dance to some of the music i sent her.

Future plans

I am planning to pick up workshops on turkish bellydance. Turkish bellydance is a passion of mine. I might also consider tribal in the future. I would be taking more workshops later this year. I am not sure if that would benefit me. And i would always give top prority to school as its on a weekend of May. I dont want to pay in advance just to cancel it later.

Or should i just get a weight belt and practise till i am really ready for a workshop? Weight belts are great in helping you learn faster.

Or should i do enough research on turkish bellydance before signing up for workshops? There are great DVDs in the market. That would give me a good preview. 

I have the same character as my dad. Obsession runs in the family. I am obsessed with dance as he is obsessed with games. He has gotten himself so far

-Xbox

-Xbox 360

-PSP

-Nitendo DS

Yes. Its all for him to play. Not to mention the numerous games sitting in my house And ive gt the same obsession with the things i do. Anyways keep obsessing yourself with bellydance. Bless you all. Do keep mailing me. If you need music do ask me, i will send it to u. Take care!

Sabreena

Borneo…My new Kerala

Well i am back from Borneo. And i have started my life in Singapore back again with a video. I took this video back in Borneo in a hotel room. My room mate was kind of late. Most of my friends were at a bar. And i didnt like the atmosphere nor do i drink, so i sneaked back into my room. Was really frightened to shower and sleep alone. I usually dont like sleeping alone! So i put on some music and started bellydancing. I didnt dance for tempted to touch in this video, just to some random indian and arabic songs.

Well where do i start. I have so much to tell about my trip. The amazing people i was with and the amazing people i met. An unforgetable trip. I tried working on my project and a documentary while i was there. I dont want to reveal my plans much on a public blog. But i have plans. Big plans. There is a gold mine of issues there.

I left a family to meet another there. I lived in a simple Kampong called Batuh Puteh there. There was no internet. No taxis. No fast food restaurants. Simple life. I kind of expected things like that. I had been in India before. I adapted pretty quickly. The people are amazing. They arent rich. But their hearts are so big they can offer so much. I walked around the kampong like i belonged there. I could not speak malay, i would use hand signs and broken malay to talk to them. Yet i made so many friends there. Good friends. People who would try their best to help you without any expectations. This driver guy called Kamza would drive me to so many locations to shoot my documentary. And he didnt charge extra for it. Honestly, i wasnt quite interested in doing just the digital storytelling project. I wanted to make more out of the trip. The driver knew my situation and drove me around. He even staged the tractor taking away oil palm so i could capture it with the camera. How can i ever thank him? Or Hatti who would hold the umbrella for me while he gets wet in the rain. Or what about Ding Ding. The guy who was well experienced and yet humble.

Why are people there so different from us. Does poverty make people better human beings? Women there had issues like indian women have. Possesive husbands. But i guess it happens in modern society too. I had seen my own share of possesive men who claim to give freedom to women and yet trap them. I am not only reffering to modern malay and indian men. Its universal.

I have so much to tell the world. I dont want to earn lots of money out of this documentary. I am doing this out of passion. Since young, i loved film. 

I lived with a family there in my kampong. I rather call it my kampong. I had a mom, 2 bros and 3 sisters. Machik (aunty), Corrina, ami, anda, abang and kacha. Thats what we called them. they would laugh at my jokes. I like to make them laugh. I guess Borneo is my mini Kerala. Maybe Kerala in my dictionary means Eden. My real hometown has turned into a graveyard ever since my bro died. I dont think i would want to go there yet. I had found my kerala in Borneo. I love the people there. Ding Ding reminds me of my bro. The people there are so friendly they would wave to you.

On the last day, we all cried. Machick brought her tiny plate and ate the last lunch with us. What hurts me is….would i see that family again? Honestly, i love borneo alot more than Singapore. Not all could adapt as well as me i guess. I think Florian and i can move into Borneo. I am dying to tell him what i saw. My dad told me we will visit Borneo in God’s grace. But before i move in, i would love to travel with Flo to other places. I like the idea of homestays. And Flo is someone i can trust. He doesnt act funny with me. I wish people were more like him. Innocent, straightforward and good natured.

I learnt more about my character when i came back. I dont hurt people who hurt me. I am not the vengeful type. I can forgive. But i notice i cant forget. Its like when someone hurts me (bad way), i kind of note them, observe if they hurt me more, once they do i label them as dangerous and keep my distance from them and then disappear from their lives. This has been the process with quite a number of people. I dont know why. When i love someoe, i trust and love them like no one has ever done before. When they really hurt my feelings i dont say anything back. I just move away. Its my nature. I dont know what i am doing is right or wrong. But this almost happened with my dad. Especially over the issue with my bro. I almost ran away from him. I am torn between them both. But my dad didnt do anything on purpose, so my heart is able to forgive and forget. Even tho there is tiny black dot. But i love my father no matter what. He still means the world to me.

There are two people who loves me alot. One is my dad another is my bro. My bro is gone but atleast i have my dad. I trust very few people. I trust my close friends Flo, Traviz and now Angel. I guess i will learn to forget. I cant quite blog my problem. Forgive me for that. I never keep diaries. My secrets are buried within me.

I realized in this trip how quiet natured i am. When all the kids play, i sit alone and think. I like thinking. Shu hui asked me why i frown. I am lost in my own world of thought. I have so much to rearrange. Shu hui understands me alot i guess. But i know ive become awfully quiet. I dont talk much anymore. I was so tired of hanging out with my partners. I excuse myself close my room door and think. Gaze into the mirror, think about practically everything. I really liked being alone i guess. Its just that i choose to be alone sometimes. Nowdays i am alot more moodier. I love looking at the sea or scenary outside my car or boat and think. When i talk too much, i find i have no time with my mind. I realize i do the same at home. I sit down in my room and think. Well i have blogged my mind out.

I have sought helpd from lecturer for my documentary. I need a formal letter from my school to tap some info from an organization. I hope Chin boo can help me with the formal letter for my documentary. I want to do this well. Chin Boo is a nice and kind lecturer. And he takes my idea seriously. So i guess he is the best person i can approach. Well thats all i have to say for now. I am thankful to all those lovely people who made my trip great. I had been moody and quiet the whole time. Sorry. Thank Shu hui, Liqing, Pamela, Vanessa, Fat, Adlin, Zid, Maybelle, Ying Ying, Adrian, Derrick, Melvin. I really pray i didnt miss out anyone by accident…

Kya me Bewafa hoon ?

Bewafa?

This is something i would love to write about. A friend of mine called me Bewafaa (Unfaithful one in hindi) all of a sudden. He meant it in a joking way actually. In the history of all the nicknames ive gotten, i think this is the most suitable one. Yes i am unfaithful. Ever since i went into FSV i had been ignoring alot of people.  Ive always had a bad nature of forgettng birthdays and looking at updates,

Well i have a reply to all those people now…

Haan main Bewafa hoon..  lol (indeed i am unfaithful) I dont mean it people. My course is such. I will be more faithful next time.

Ok this is a egyptian pop bellydance. It is mostly performed in Egypt bars and clubs. It is basically bellydancing to modern songs. This is the first time i am trying my hand at it. I mixed it with a choreograhy i learnt from my old teacher. I am quite aware of my mistakes in this video. Even though, many people are very kind towards me. I must specially thank Ariadne for her music and a dances. Her dance had always inspired me to try different things.

I had been practising my belly rolling. I do see an improvement in it. Ive to thank my teacher for that. It is really important to know your different muscles.

I have a deep desire to try tribal bellydance soon…

PULAU UBIN AND ME

Kimberly, Adrian and I found a new hobby. Cycling at pulau ubin. The rocky paths were great. It was adventurous. N i was very surprised i could handle the tough paths. I am not an excellent cyclist. But i love cycling there. The fresh air, the simple life and being free. I must thank Adrian for that. He does know quite alot of good stuff. N i admire the fact that he eats healthy and is physically active.

 We cycled till we ached today. We visitied some really scary places. It was really fun. I hope to try kayaking sometime.

Posh vs Rural villages?

We were discussing about where we like to hang out. Most of my friends love posh restuarants, malls and the movies. They like to dress good and eat good food. Even if its a date, this is the offers ive gotten. Its always some posh place.

Its true i love to dress. But that doesnt mean i like sitting in some post restuarant, sipping away some expensive tea that costs a fortune. (No offence to my good friend Traviz).

I am a little like a guy. I love doing what i did today. Cycling, falling down, hiking, camping, boating. This is what i like. I felt like i was a character frm moby dick when i looked out into the sea. It was magical. I have a wish to learn how to swim, surf and kayak. I like that. It feels so good cycling on those rocky paths. Unafraid of injuries. The path was dangerous. Honestly speaking… I am a careful rider so i guess i was safe.

What more?

That place reminded me of Kerala so much. The air was fresh. The place was rural. Simple shops, huts, natural food, stray dogs and mosquito bites! I loved it. There was the sea by the side. Sound of waves. The sight of boats. The scorching sun. The whole place reminded me of some old setting or like how Singapore would be in the 60’s. Its my dream to revisit those times. I hate malls, concrete jungles and mechanical lives. I envy the lives of those people. A simple hut. Clean air and fresh food.

My dad told me once that i am attached to the past. I haved asked everyone if they ever wanted to timetravel to da future or to da past. Most said future. But i would love the past. I wannt to experience how they all lived. This tiny trips to pulau ubin is making me look forward to Borneo. I really hope no one screws my trip. I want to live like a villager there. It has been my dream.

It wll be good if you had a buddy or a mate who shared the same thoughts as you. I want to travel alot and do quite alot. And i guess i will start off with borneo first

Trust in me (Slow bellydance)

So after much request from HHVB. I have done this video. This is my interpretation of Kaa’s song. I am not a good slow bellydancer. But i am trying. This dance was unchoreographed. But it was a great way of celebrating after my a tough semester.

I realized that before doing a peformance, always tie weights to ur hips and dance. Ur actual performace will be much much smoother.

Borneo Trip

Its a pity Ray cant make it. I feel really sad about it. But i guess i cant tell her to go against her parents. I was reading around to get a feel of the place before i start planning what to bng a long. I dont think i should have a problem living there. I had stayed in several places in India. Rich poor and all. Even though my reltiaves are well off there. I had visited poorer homes. Experienced mosquito bites, power cuts and aircon less nites. Trust me, i am more than happy to go.

I was reading Kane’s blog to understand how is it to stay there. I guess its pretty bizzarre for anyone from singapore to go and experience a village. I love villages. I love the chickens, cows, padi fields and wells. I dont mind the mosquito bites. I love the fresh air, the clean food and simple life.

It was almost trying to get a preview of a life me and florian dreamt of. A simple village. It would have been good to have my friend flo here. I miss him so much. He is as boring as me. Trust me, we dont talk about Tv fashion or movies. We talk about life. People. Places. Things we want to improve on. Its the way i am i guess, I am boring. And i have the perfect twin with me, Florian. We can sit for hours and talk.

I am quite excited about this trip. I like learning about people. Their lives. I am fine with bucket showers and toilets. I can survive. But i am just scared of privacy. I want my tea, a small mirror in the toilet. I kind of feel safe with mirrors. I am scared of people watching me when im bathing. Its a phobia i developed after a bad experienece. And i wish i could speak Bahasa Indonesia. Florian is fluent in it. I only know manis, pedas…some food items…i dont even know how to say ‘I love you’ in Bahasa. lol. I only know some malay. My dad can speak Malay real fluently.

My friend got married today

I feel so excited. Khaleel got married today again. I blogged about him before. His 1st marriage didnt work out. I feel so happy 4 him. I thnaked God the moment i heard he was going to get married. He gave up on marriage after the failure. But now i feel really relieved he decided to marry again.

Mr. Question Mark?

I felt i had to write about this guy. I keep bumping into him. I dont know why he attracts me. I dont have a crush on him. Its nothing like that. I just felt he had everything i looked for. facial features. Beard, moustache, long hair. I just think he is so good looking. I felt like i was a teen again. I dont know who he is. But i was so surprised that this guy would keep such a look. Most guys follow the latest trend. This guy stands out.

He is good looking and all. And i think he would be the perfect charactr for a movie i am thinking to make. I imagined him. It looked perfect.

Then again, a guy can be cute. To me, it ends there. I dont want to think about the process of a relationship. It ends up always in one stupid route. I am not being cynical. I rather have a serious relationship. If someone likes me, i would perfer him to propose marriage. Its more gentleman like. And i can know how serious he is. Really i am not in the stupid road of love fights sex and break up. I rather have a life partner that has brain and a heart. Then, smeone who just wants to try things out. I might be only 21. But im like 30. I am too tired of trying already.

Happy married life Khaleel