Dance Goals, Version 2.00.7

I thought I'd hop on the bandwagon and post my list. Actually, what I really need to do it print it out in some huge font size and pin it to several walls and major appliances in my house so I see it ALL THE TIME.

In no particular order:

* start logging my time spent on dance related interweb sites and match that with practice time
* head to the gym, hopefully the iPod helps
* get back into a regular class
* schedule a few private lessons with dancers I like, this may involve some travel
* go to Asheville, NC to visit and take some classes with Lisa Z. and her troupe
* save up for FCBD General Skills Certification, because if I do teach I want to be sure of what I'm doing
* attack my potential costuming pile, look for new inspiration
* home study with video, i.e. dissect performances/instruction for moves, ideas, inspiration
* expand my music collection, try to be adventurous
* increase my ability and confidence in solo work
* learn to turn off my hyperactive inner critic while dancing and just get into it!

Sari!

I saw this link today, and wanted to make sure I didn't lose it:

http://www.sarisafari.com/

Oh my, the fabric lover in me is going a little crazy.

The practice is the dance

A dance friend of mine recently linked to a Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley sermon where dance is used as a metaphor for life and for the keeping of clear and focused intention in both spiritual practice and day to day matters. It was a good thing for me to read right now, when I find my self separated and distracted from what I truly intend to do for my dancing and myself.


We get up. We take some steps. We fall down. We get up. We take some steps.
Practice is it. The practice is the dance.
There’s no big performance we’re gearing up for-only our lives.
This is it. This is the dance.

Dance gifts!

Yay! I got a hoop that ding0 made for me, and a slick black iPod (he had one of his refurbished). I had been thinking about an iPod, but knew he couldn't afford one and I wasn't willing to spend the money on it (yet). I'm excited about pairing the two gifts - hoop practice in the park with my iPod on. Who needs the gym! (oh, I do, right)

Merry Giftmas!

I admit, I'm into Christmas for the presents. And the traditions, the comforting rituals that happen every year. My family has always had generous (not necessarily elaborate) Christmas celebrations. OK, I'm spoiled. I admit it. And Christmas is the perfect time to ask for the dance related things I've been checking out that I'd like to get myself, but haven't yet managed to get my grubby little paws on.

Here's what went onto my wish list:
* Short Sleeved Drop Shoulder Choli
* Fluffy skirt black or white, Jaipur skirt in just about any color
* Carolena's Art of Bellydance set
* A hoop
* A piggy bank**

Things that crossed my mind, but I know there's a limit:
* The rest of the FCBD video catalog that I don't already have
* More zills!
* Yoga classes
* Personal trainer sessions
* NW Circus Supply Fire Fans which are also on eBay as Haycox Enterprises Fire Fans, or fire fingers (via my SO)
* And then there's my Amazon list

And what I'd really really dream of having?
* Time time and money to go to Asheville, NC to study with my old teacher and her troupe
* The time and money to do FCBD's General Skills Certification program


** Seriously. I want to start saving change and bits of cash to put towards my dance training. There's something very satisfying about dropping the money into the pig, then emptying it out later and putting that money in the bank.

Why You Should Be Dancing

I've had these posts linked through my LJ for awhile, but I think they can always be reread:

Eleven Reasons You Need To Be Bellydancing Right Now

Part I
Part II

A headstart on resolutions*

So, in an attempt to get a headstart on resolutions*, I am trying to get this blog set up. I already have a personal journal; this one is more for dance items. Some things will be boring; training goals and notes to myself. Some may not be to people's tastes; my personal opinions of things in the bellydance world. Mainly this is a space for me to keep myself organized, and you are invited to follow along.

*resolutions can also be seen in the more practical light of "plans to get off my ass and do more with my time/less time spent online and more spent practicing"