Gothic Belly Dance's topics - tribe.net

Fangs Oh My!

April — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:35:07 GMT

Okay, so I've been thinking in a few years when I'm all stable in finances, out of college, and all that good junk, that I might want to get those little cap things they stick on your teeth for the whole vampire look. ;-p I know I may sound like a total goober, but who better to ask than the other fruity gals here!? ;-p I do know what I'm getting into if I do get them done and believe me I have to have the rest of my mouth worked out first, but this idea has stuck with me for a few years now. I love the whole vampire subculture thing and have complete respect for those who are in it, so I’m not just doing this because I think it’ll make me look cool. Wow, I’ve NEVER been an in-group person anyway. My question is who the hell does this sort of thing?! Normal dentists don't do it (at least I don't think) and no one where I live would look at me right for the rest of my days. So, anyone know about this kind of thing?

P.S. I know I don't want to have my teeth filed down like other people do, but the cap things work just fine for me. :-) I wish they had a smiley key combo for vampire teeth! :-(

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 12 replies

Dave the Friendly Goth

Laura — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:57:12 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXEGEfDSTZ4

Not bellydance but funny.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

TF 2008 - When are you performing?

Ambrossy — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:59:20 GMT

I will be going to Tribal Fest this year from Thursday to Sunday and I would LOVE to see you perform. Navel will be doing a special edition exclusively on Tribal Fest (Yeah baby!). I will be staying in Sebastopol for the weekend so PLEASE check with me when will you be performing.

I will be taking (and obviously reviewing) BSBD and Shakra workshops too! So if you recognize me please stop by and say hi. =)

Feel free to email me your into at eleyda@navelmagazine.com

See you there! Woohoo!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 14 replies

Maybe Ready?

+Pandora+ — Sun, 11 May 2008 05:35:04 GMT

Alright I would like to know your opinion ladies. When do you think someone is ready to start preforming at a restaurant, club or even give classes? How much experience, knowledge, classes, years....anything? Your call girls let me know I am curious, Because honestly i have no idea!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 2 replies

"Then...why are you here?"

+Pandora+ — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:49:37 GMT

This is what I have been asked by many of my fellow Computer animation students. Yes, I am a belly dancer (and a gothic one at that), I have been belly dancing since the 5th grade but I have been drawing since the 3rd grade. I am also a student for computer animation in one of the greatest Universities yet the majority of the students are male and us few girls dont get the enough respect, understanding job wise from the students or even the teachers. Just imagine...my class has 70 students and only 5 are girls. Now you may be wondering about the tittle. You see i was with a group of my friends (2 girls including me and 4 boys) and we were all talking about ways we try to stay healthy and have fun other than school So i answered "Well...I belly dance...and i love it...its fun and i might even travel for a weekend to preform in California". One of the boys asked me "So...what are you doing here?" Im sorry I might be a bit fiery about this but, just because I am a belly dancer doesnt make me a lesser computer animator than him. I have been asked this by a few male students and looked down upon by many and this is starting to upset me, I even get this from the teachers! No matter how good i may be in my work and how responsible I get no respect as a computer animator or a girl. I came to this tribe to share my story because i need some shout outs, I also wondered who here has had similar situations???Blessings to all!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 21 replies

Gothic Bellydance Classes in NYC

jeniviva — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:01:39 GMT

Hello Gang!

After nearly half a year of taking it slow and easy with myself, I have decided that its high time I got back into the swing of things. I am honored and excited to announce that I am going to be teaching Gothic Bellydance Classes on a weekly basis for Beginners at Panetta Movement Studios in Manhattan.

Starting June1st, every Sunday for 5 weeks we will be getting our Goth on!
There is more info on a flyer on both my TRIBE page AND my MySpace page (nycraqsgothique). I am super stoked.
Hope ya'lls can come on down!

Wheeeeeeee!!!!
: )
xoxoxo
Jeni

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Walk on Fire with Nyx!

NyxFusion — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:35:31 GMT

Hey! Is there anyone out there who is interested in Walking on Fire?
You know you want to!

Visit our Tribe or Website for more information.

www.NyxFusion.com
http://tribes.tribe.net/firewalkingforbellydancers

Thanks and Blessings,
Brandi and Thalisha
Nyx

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 9 replies

Tempest is performing in NJ tonight...

arani — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:06:15 GMT

She will be performing and selling her fabulous gothic goodies at the Mahira Tribe hafla tonight, 5/3!

Don't miss it!
7 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Vineland
800 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland NJ 08360

$5 admission
Pot luck feast!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 4 replies

"Motif"- Thursday @ Tribal Fest 8 - Ritual Meets Music & Dance

meddevi — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:55:51 GMT

"Motif" is an event-experience collaboration between myself, Lee Ali, Tim Rayborn, and Karim Nagi - a two hour community hands-on collaboration of ritual, dance, and music - taking place May 15th in Sebastopol.

Attendance is very limited and the event is nearing sold out (no tickets will be available at the door).

If you're going to be at Tribal Fest on Thursday evening (this takes place at 9pm, after "Underbelly" presentation, closeby), and would like more info on being a part of this event, please post below or message me.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Punk Raqs Dancer Application

FreeFillDirt — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:34:55 GMT

Punk Raqs 2008 Dancer Application

Dancing Name / Troupe:
Legal Name(s):

Email Address:
Alternate Email (or confirm Email address):

Cell Phone:
Land Phone:

Mailing Address:
City/State/Zip:

Registered for Workshops: (1) Marjhani 11am-1pm
"Touching Goth Audiences" __yes __no
(2) Ariellah's 1pm-3pm
"Feeling Your Music" __yes __no

Most recent performance:

MECDA Chapter affiliation:

Music for Punk Raqs 2008:

I wish my introduction to read as follows:

Email this completed form to bellydancr@iwon.com
or Fax to 909-381-2791
or send via message to FreeFillDirt on Tribe.net
or via message to on MySpace
at www.myspace.com/mecdaie

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 3 replies

GBD Music Selection : Metal

TerraNoir — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:33:12 GMT

I have found a variety of different tribes that are dedicated to Metalheads and Goth Metal [new genre for me...but its great to learn new things!]. Though I think i would want to get the honest opinion of Gothic Bellydancers here. Is it alright to use Metal of any sort in a Gothic Bellydance performance. I've seen alot of them on Youtube...and it makes me go "Wow!!!!!!!!!" Especially one that is done to Black No. 1. One of my favorite songs of all time! Would it still be gothic bellydance if it still encompasses all of the drama and story telling that makes Gothic Bellydance what it is? I am really working on a piece...and it keeps changing on me. It reminds me of a painting I did for a class. I had a concept and by the time I was finished with it...it evolved into something entirely different. I've gone through three costume changes and two song changes. Hopefully this one will stick!

I would hardly want to insult the community by seeming like I am mocking it with my performance. Since i am hoping to perform it in July. No more slacking off for me! So any insights, opinions, and comments are welcomed. Even if they are ones that say to change the music again for the third time! Thanks for your time!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 20 replies

Ariellah & Deshret at DNA Pix Posted

braddosland — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:29:29 GMT

Photos of Ariellah performing with her new troupe Deshret at DNA in San Francisco have be posted at http://taboomedia.smugmug.com/gallery/4851398_QYXUw

Enjoy!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Goth Concert in Orlando

+Pandora+ — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:36:10 GMT

Anyone interested in going? Its gonna have 2 bands "Mindless Self Indulgence" and "The Birthday Massacre". They are awsome bands (especially The Birthday Massacre) and the tickets is $22.50. It will be in Downtown Orlando,FL at 6pm at "Club FireStone". So lemme know whos interested!

P.S - hope this isnt spamming...i dont post or blog much...sorry if it is!

+Shantel+

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 2 replies

Teens Get Life for Killing 'Goth' Woman

erikaschiquis — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:33:29 GMT

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/teens-get-life-for-killing-goth-woman/20080428160009990001

I feel so bad for her family.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 15 replies

Fire in the Belly Pix Posted

braddosland — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:54:15 GMT

Pix of Sharon Kihara, Ariellah, FatChance BellyDance, Frederique, Clandestine, Freyja, and Zoe Jakes (with Beats Antique) from "Fire in the Belly" benefit for Kaihea have been posted at http://taboomedia.smugmug.com/gallery/4820567_vuALb

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 2 replies

Theda Bara article in Gothic Beauty

Jenn — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:53:35 GMT

Hey everyone... I know that someone had a question a while ago about makeup that related to Theda Bara's time period... and well... I also know some of you may be interested in the Theda Bara article in the April issue of Gothic Beauty...
Just thought I'd post a little note to let you all know ;)

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 5 replies

Bellydance Dracula!

Zahir — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 06:07:41 GMT

I'm not kidding. There was this show in Britain, kinda like a ballet but not. Instead of ballet, it was all bellydance and it told a story--the story of DRACULA!

Well, kinda/sorta. The guy playing Dracula is very good, btw. Anyway, you can see it here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qdrVUKoJ74s

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PugHtA5ts9E

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Znj6H7uk08c

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YHhXNaEnCEc

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 9 replies

Music for Dark Elements of Water & Air

TribalFee — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:18:45 GMT

Ladies,

I am currently working on some solo sets for two upcoming performances - I am a classic Fire/Earth gal myself so these will both be very challenging but I am looking forward to it - but I REALLY need some ideas for some music.

1 = Samhain Ball performance with elemental themeing of Water. Thinking of going with a Dark Water Nymph (Selkie/Merrow/Mermain/Wraith) thing here - maybe even being displayed as a 'Freak' at a Dark Carnival. Likely to use Fan veils.
I need dark watery tunes with both a soft flowy piece plus another piece with some groovy pop/lock accents. Around 10 mins total

2 = Show with elemental theme of Air. Going to use props of Balanced Fog bowl and either Wings or Fan Veils for this. Am thinking of representing Mist or Fog...have always been fascinated by the SeaMists and will be channeling that creepy kindof feel for this. Again need at least one fluid style tune plus one with some decent accents in it. Would love something with some wind perhaps sampled throughout. Again around 10 mins total

Any ideas will be gratefully accepted.
Cheers :o)

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 21 replies

MAVI at EAST:MEETS:WEST 2008!

lucretia — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 06:00:53 GMT

We are pleased to announce that MAVI (Washington DC) will be joining the EAST:MEETS:WEST 2008 crew!

Serpentine presents...
EAST:MEETS:WEST 2008
5th Annual Dark Bellydance Showcase
Friday, May 2nd
Mt. Tabor Legacy
4811 SE Hawthorne
Portland, Oregon
$15 21+ 8pm- 2am

Epic dance performances by:
Gemini Project(OR)
Znama(OR)
Jane Archer(OR)
Vorona(NY)
Pony(OH)
Mavi(DC)
BellaNoir(OR)
Gypsy Caravan(OR)
Twilight Maqsuum(WA)
Deb(Raven) formally of Ultra Gypsy(CA)
Serpentine(OR)
Carmella(OR)

Vendors:
Black Lotus Clothing(CA)
Dark Fusion Boutique(OR)
Lilium Creatura(OR)
Kim Sakkara(OR)
Lulu's Coco(OR)
Siren Star(OR)

Musical guest:
Azphodel(OR)

DJ Layla
DJ Ruckus

MC:
Noah Mickens

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Vampire Music

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:05:55 GMT

Hello peoples! I am trying to make a dance piece with the storyline of a vampire. Which songs would you consider vampire like? I would appreciate the ideas! Thank youuuuu! *bows*

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 20 replies

When is it okay?

Saz'hrah — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:04:10 GMT

This isn't so much about gothic bellydance but I admire the honest opinions of gothic bellydancers so this is the best place I thought to post it. I also know of a lot of dancers struggling with the same issues.

Being a dancer and choreographer I have learned to keep myself humble. I always am aware there are those out there that are bigger and better then I am. There will ALWAYS be somebody bigger and better then I am. I love that. It makes me strive to be better. It makes me challenge myself. BUT, I believe my humbleness has become self doubt. I know I have done some great things and that I am a good dancer, not great but i'm alright. I could be better.

I read a lot of other blogs and posts both on Tribe and on myspace. I see dancers congratulating themselves which i think is amazing. And I admire that. Everytime I go to post something about myself and a great thing that happens I stop myself short and remind myself that it may be taken as bragging and remember to stay humble. And after so much of this it has gotten me thinking the past couple of days, "when is it okay to congratulate yourself?"

Is it uncooth to mention a fabulous opportunity? Is it overt bragging when you post it online? When should you keep quiet and stay humble and when is it really alright to pat your own back?

I would love to know others opinions on this.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 22 replies

Those Tutu skirts...

Carlisa — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:37:09 GMT

I've TOTALLY lost them on the vast internet. I thought they were black lotus, but I couldn't find them on the website... you know what i mean, those awesome bellydance belts that look like bustles made with toole... or however you spell it... anyone know where the website is where you order them? Thanks a million
-carlisa

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 10 replies

Article: "Honor Thyself"

meddevi — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:45:27 GMT

“Honor Thyself”

This discourse isn’t so much directly related to Gothic Bellydance has it has to do with body image and respect, and particularly young women.

I’d like to think of myself as a somewhat balanced person when it comes to sex, sexuality, and the human body. My parents weren’t exactly hippies, but they have always been far from being tight-laced/conservative in general. Our house was full of art books depicting the greatest collections of art from museums all over the world (i.e. lots of global nudes). The Playboy magazines weren’t hidden (quite easily accessible in my parents’ bathroom), and my mom was never weird about getting changed in front of me at any age. I never got in trouble for drawing nudes (at least from my parents, at school, it was another matter…somewhere around 5th or 6th grade, I draw the backsides of a boy and girl in transparent gowns to show purity for some religious exercise we were doing, and that caused a small ruckus...). I do remember when I was about 7 or 8, popping in “Flashdance” in the VCR one morning, and my parents deciding that wasn’t appropriate for me to be watching by myself, but it’s not like I understood what was going on, I just wanted to see the dancing! Basically, I emerged from my upbringing with a healthy respect for the human body, both male and female, and no bias towards sexual preference/orientation. I have no issues with strippers, I love GOOD burlesque, and think the female body is just magnificent in all shapes and sizes.

So with that stated, I recently witnessed something that made me question the state of our society, and feel somewhat ashamed to be a woman, for lack of a better description. Now, there have been plenty of times while listening to NPR, reading the paper, seeing the news on TV that I’ve felt ashamed of being HUMAN, for what we do this planet and other people, but to feel distress as a woman is not a familiar situation for me. Ok, maybe that’s a tad melodramatic, but I AM a Goth, I’m allowed that.

Recently I attended an alternative modeling contest. It was the first time I attended this particular event, and was picturing something more akin to the model competitions we see on TV, but for Goths. I have witnessed several Gothic fashion shows, and often marveled at the beautiful diversity of the models, and when I walked into the venue to set-up for vending, I was met with a sea of beautiful freaks – all sorts of different colored hair, tattoos, piercings, all different and wonderful. It was a lovely sight to behold. It made me super excited for the evening’s events – I’m a huge people-watcher – I LOVE studying people, how they dress and carry themselves and interact with each other. Gothic-anthropology perhaps?

The competition was set up boys and girls – meaning each gender had it’s own category. The contestants were given a top from one of the sponsors to alter as they wish, as long as the logo was intact. There was somewhat of a slut factor involved in the presentation of some of the girls, but I didn’t think much of it. Short micro-mini’s are rampant (or were, they seem to be going out from the latest batch of Gothic trends), but it was mainly a lot of boob gesturing, but hey, if you got ‘em, flaunt ‘em right? The boys were more tame in general. Both groups seem rather inexperienced with the concept of modeling, especially with walking, but hey, competitions can be nerve-wracking right?

The second round for the ladies (I’m not sure what the guys were doing in the second round) was to model corsets provided by the sponsors. A few of the girls came out with not much more than the corset on, but I chalked this up to not being prepared (as some girls knew about it, some were wild cards and didn’t know if they were going to be in the next round), and being cheeky and spontaneous to make up for the lack of more clothing. I made an emergency bustle out of 3 yards of glittery bat fabric and safety pins for one of these gals, and she looked elegant and lovely.

The third round was freestyle – the model’s own choosing and to really show off their stuff. It was here that my brain had nothing short of a minor meltdown. Out of perhaps 20 girls, no more than 3 didn’t do something akin to stripper routine, and even then, they were borderline. Again, I don’t have anything against strippers, and I love burlesque, but this wasn’t burlesque, and I’m sure better strip shows could be had at the Foxy Lady’s “Legs & Eggs” morning strip events. (New Englanders everywhere just cringed massively.) Apparently “crowd reaction” was a judging category for this round, and the great majority figured that the best way to do this was to strip. After the first few, it was “oh look, another set of boobs and pasties” again and again. I was surrounded by male colleagues and they weren’t impressed in the least (and yes, they were mostly straight). I wondered what the boys would do…

The boy’s third round was a much different story. Yeap, there were a few strip routines in there, but the majority of them danced and really showed off their moves, their agility, and their PERSONALITY…mainly, it was a reversal of the girls’ round.

In the realm of my brain, it struck me that something was terribly wrong. Why did these girls think that the best way to show themselves was to strip? Someone said that a lot of them WERE strippers, but I highly doubted that, unless maybe I just expect there to be a lot more talent involved, or at least better stage presence. Maybe I’m just getting old, but it worries me greatly that girls who are 10-15 years my junior (and come on, I ain’t THAT old) automatically reduce themselves to objects. I know modeling often involves nudity, but this didn’t have anything to do with the artful display of the human body and it’s wondrous nature. It lacked introspection and depth, it lacked a sense of personal identity. It wasn’t sensual or even really sexy. It was very painful to witness. It was a prime example of “Less isn’t More, it’s Less.”

In the end, the winners were the ones who showed personality and really showed off the clothes in how they presented themselves (and for the most part, kept their clothes on.)

I know there’s tons of debate about bellydance and stripping, and the infuriation of the two being confused, then add Burlesque to the mix, and you’ve got a whole other can of worms. Really, that’s the least of my worries. I find that the majority of people who confuse the two REALLY are essentially ignorant in general about the human body and sexuality. No matter what we’re up there doing and how we present ourselves, there will always be a moron who thinks otherwise.

My concern is for our next generation of girls and what they think of themselves and their bodies. It’s like society went from being prudes to teaching absolute violation of the body (while simultaneously punishing both extremes). I don’t think it’s about being open and forthright about sex, I think it’s about a lack of self-respect and true understanding about the beauty, power, and mystery of our bodies.

I really wanted to go backstage and talk to these girls and see what was in their heads. And share secrets with them: that if you show less, you say more about who you are as a person, and create a story. We really don’t want to see it all, we’re happier to allow our imaginations ponder what’s hiding. That true beauty doesn’t come from the exposure of skin, but the careful exposure of the self. And for others to really see that, you need to begin with honoring yourself, body and soul.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 29 replies

Artwork by Tempest

meddevi — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:34:01 GMT

After going through my studio this weekend, and unearthing my profile, I have decided to part with some of my originals to help cover some medical and tax bills. These are all one-of-a-kind pieces featuring dancers, faeries, goddesses, and nekkid women. I have a few more darker, witchy pieces I'll be adding when I get a chance.

To view artwork, visit the gallery here: http://meddevi.tribe.net/

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Just some TF8 Workshop Recommendations

meddevi — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:16:30 GMT

Just hot-spotting a few great workshops you can still register for at TF8 if you're going to be there on Wednesday....not all GBD, but I think topics that GBDers would definitely benefit from:

WEDNESDAY:

10:45 a.m.-12:45: Rose Harden (CA) Core Integration in Dance - (If I was going to be there on Wednesday, I'd be there! - Rose has been an integral part of Ultra Gypsy for years, and this goes beyond just drills, but really incorporating dance and strength together)

5:30-7:30: Sashi (CA) Gothic Tribal Fusion Bellydance - (if you've been on this tribe, and you haven't taken a workshop with Sashi, what the hell is wrong with you?) (Sashi is also teaching a more advanced class on Thursday Decapitation, "Dismemberment & Entrails")

10:45a.m.-12:45: Princess Farhana (CA) Intermediate/Advanced Burlesque - (Princess Farhana is fabulous, frankly any workshop with her is a joy for the body and mind, and if you want to know about what burlesque is REALLY about and where the line is between BD and Burly, here you go!)

1:00-3:00: Shakra! (Wa., DC) Power Drills And Chills - (These ladies rocked the house at TF7, and I'm sure they rock the studio too!)
(Shakra! also has another workshop on Thursday..)

and while I'm at it...though she's not teaching on Wednesday, but Sunday - if you're not familiar with Anaar, you should be. Anaar and I have put together some amazing ritual pieces, often improv, over the years, and this woman can really give you grounded, solid instruction in the ritual arts. This is NOT new age fluff. This is the real thing, and can open up your dance experience and interpretation to a new level:

SUNDAY:

1:30-3:30: Anaar (CA) Dance and the New Expressionism

Go here to register: http://www.blacksheepbellydance.com/tf8/schedule.html

Registration (online and snail mail) will close May 1st...after that, it's your chances at the door!

Anyone else, feel free to add your recommendations and such :)

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 5 replies

My last Drum Vids

Renê — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:33:50 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY6eSOk9mZ4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2d_G5pxSDo

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Darkdove/Selimah & Thoth of Mystic Hips @ Conglomeration 2008

Darkdove — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:09:01 GMT

My new Snake dance vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9GbnTxwku8

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Fave Classic GBD music ?

aziyade — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:46:02 GMT

I wanna make a cd compilation (or more than one) of "classic" GBD music. You know the kind -- music you loved so much you just HAD to dance to it, or music somebody else used that you just loved, or music that you've always wanted to dance to because it either sounded so darn cool or it just moved you so darn much!

If you were making a Best of GBD Music Cd, what would yours have on it? Thanx for playing. :P

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 16 replies

Tempest in Zaghareet

Badriya — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:51:50 GMT

My issue only came last week and I only read it this week, so maybe it's been mentioned here already, but if not--congrats to Tempest for a really nice feature in Zaghareet Magazine! It's nice to see a profile of you as just a regular dancer, without all the "so explain what is goth" baggage in the way :-)

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 1 reply

1920's Vamp look. Tips please!

Liberty — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:15:02 GMT

I love love LOVE Tempest's vintage hair and makeup. Darling, Gothmother, how do you do it? (or anyone else who have been successful with this look)

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 10 replies

Belly Dance song - from video game

LacyChenault — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:17:58 GMT

I found a WONDERFUL belly dancing song in the strangest of places - video game music it's Ooh la la - the beautiful girl from firenze (Shadow Hearts 2) by Yoshitaka Hirota - and it is awesome. If I ever, ever do a performance - I will use that song. You can listen to it here - http://gh.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/2391 (it's number 117) - I love it! Let me know what you think!

-Lacy
http://www.lacychenault.com

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 10 replies

Serpentine now has a YouTube video!

lucretia — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:44:13 GMT

This footage was shot at the Irish Spring Equinox Show, March 2008, Portland, Oregon. Music by Solace. Serpentine would like to thank Nat and Daflew.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN5NEDyAU28

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Dragonforce

Basha — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:48:18 GMT

Trhough the fire and flames? Anybody ever used it... I heard it yesterday morning again and really went... wow this would be a hell of shimmyshow case song... I dont' know any of their stuff, just recently actually heard it although my brother tired to get me on it a while back.

Just thought I would ask ... (ducks* don't hit the newbie gothling*)!!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 18 replies

swords banned?

eawachs — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:24:43 GMT

This was on the Indigo tribe.

Hello all.

Please support you sisters in the UK. We are now banned from purchasing dance swords.

Sad news I'm afraid. I have just spoken to Jonathan Batt, at the home office who has confirmed that we (belly and tribal dancers in the UK) are covered in the VCR (Violent Crimes Reduction Bill).
As Belly dancers, we are not covered in the exemptions of being classed as a 'sporting activity' or a Historical reenactment. While we can perform with our existing swords, if you have public liability insurance. You can no longer purchase a new blade.

This is scary thought, as if we are not included in the exclusions to the ban, the art form of sword dancing will ultimately die out in the UK! my sword was broken recently In a workshop when it was dropped. I now can't get a new one....

The only way we can get this changed for all belly dancers is to contact the home office and request that as a dance form that we are allowed to continue to be allowed to purchase swords, so that we can continue with a beautiful art form.

Please, Please take the time to contact Jonathan and request that he put forward to the Home Office that bellydancers and tribal dancers are made exempt from the VCR Bill. He is a nice guy and has agreed to be the contact point for this query. It will take a huge volume of dancers contacting him to make a difference, so please take the time to write to him.

His contact details are Jonathan.Batt@Homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Also if you are a member of a tribe, where this is not mentioned, can you please post information there.

Ta
Denise

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Tempest-Obama?

LeeAli — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:26:12 GMT

In response to Tempests' keen and emotionionally moving social observations with in 'Honor Thyself,' I was moved to nominate her for public office. What's your vote? Tempest-Obama, Tempest-Hillary, Tempest-McCain?

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 5 replies

Workshops @ TF8

meddevi — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:38:40 GMT

Word from the Mama BlackSheep is that both of my workshops are almost sold out with just a few slots remaining in each, so if you were planning on it, but haven't gotten your butt in gear, better get a move on. These are both brand new workshops from me - the Friday workshop, "Drop Dead Dramatic" goes beyond "Dramatic Body Language", focusing on turns, spins, transitions, and floorwork for GBD. The Sunday workshop is "Nouveau Noir", focusing on darkly elegant combinations and accents for a classic old-world feel with a touch of sass and evil.

Details on their respective days and registration online while they last: http://www.blacksheepbellydance.com/tf8

You miss it and whine, you sleep with da fishies and no pussy shall keep you warm then!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 6 replies

Planes, Workshops & Piercings . . .

Aria-Raks — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:04:50 GMT

This is technically a bit off topic, but I thought the info would be good to pass along since we are they types of people to dance to our own beat (no pun intended) and most likely delve into the wildside a bit more than the "norm". Apparently the TSA has gotten their butt in a crack over having a passenger remove a nipple ring with pliers before boarding a plane.

I love to travel; I love to see my commrades performances and attend workshops; I love my piercings! Yet I've never even slightly entertained the idea that I might have to remove a piercing (or 9) with pliers to do so! I'm surprised with all of the traveling our dancers do, we haven't heard first hand experiences like this . . .

~ Aria ~

LOS ANGELES - The Transportation Security Administration said it
will change they way its officers search passengers with body
piercings after a Texas woman complained she was forced to remove a
nipple ring with pliers in order to board an airplane.

Mandi Hamlin, 37, had demanded an apology and her Los Angeles-based
attorney sent a letter to the TSA this week requesting a civil
rights investigation.

Hamlin said she was trying to board a flight from Lubbock to Dallas
on Feb. 24 when she was scanned by a TSA agent after passing through
a larger metal detector without problems.

The female TSA agent used a handheld detector that beeped when it
passed in front of Hamlin's chest, the Dallas-area resident said.

Hamlin said she told the woman she was wearing nipple piercings. The
agent then called over her male colleagues, one of whom said she
would have to remove the jewelry, Hamlin said.

Hamlin said she could not remove them and asked whether she could
instead display her pierced breasts in private to the female agent.
But several other male officers told her she could not board her
flight until the jewelry was out, she said.

Hamlin was taken behind a curtain and managed to remove one bar-
shaped piercing but had trouble with the second, a ring. She said
the officer gave her pliers to remove the ring, a process which
caused a physical pain.

The TSA said Friday in a statement on its Web site that the officers
properly followed procedures, but that the procedures must change.
In the future passengers can either allow a visual inspection of
their piercings, or remove them, the agency said.

The statement stopped short of apologizing to Hamlin.

"TSA acknowledges that our procedures caused difficulty for the
passenger involved and regrets the situation in which she found
herself," the agency said in a statement. "We appreciate her raising
awareness on this issue and we are changing the procedures to ensure
that this does not happen again."

Hamlin's attorney said she accepted the TSA statement as an apology,
and commended the agency for taking quick action. The policy change
is "an achievement for the protection of passengers' civil rights
while meeting the security goals of the TSA," Gloria Allred said.

___

On the Net:

http://www.tsa.gov

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 11 replies

Sashi's pierced wings Tribal Fest 6

Heike — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:52:40 GMT

Hi everyone,

Do you have a larger version of the picture below? If so, would you please email it to me?

Sashi knows all about it and she's agreed for me to use it in a show entitled 'Pictures in an Arabian Gallery' and I could really do with the .jpeg.

Do feel free to check with her - I will, of course, credit the artists appropriately.

/Users/hex/Desktop/85f49e26-cb1e-49d4-9676-7ed93c2ba2fe.jpeg

Thanks all - see ya at Tribal Fest 8????

Heikex

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Black is the Color...

Allison — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:59:14 GMT

Watch this short video of this adorable Korean dancer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q_K9ZlGwSs

And please tell me who sings the damn song!!!! Thank you!! I'm going so crazy..

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 3 replies

BellyFusions Festival - Less than 1 month!

etoile — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:12:02 GMT

-------- Call for Teachers & Performers ---------

THE APPLICATION FORM SHOULD BE SENT BEFORE THE 30TH OF APRIL 2008

For this first Festival, scheduled for the 24th and 25th of January 2009, The BellyFusions Festival organisers are looking for solo artists as well as professional dance companies in order to complete their programme.

Infos and application form can be downloaded on: www.bellyfusions.com/index_eng.php

Julie

--------- APPEL A CANDIDATURE ---------

La date limite de réception des dossiers est fixée au 30 avril 2008.
Il reste moins d'un mois pour nous envoyer votre candidature pour participer à la 1ère édition du festival BellyFusions.

Toutes les informations sont disponibles sur www.bellyfusions.com

A très bientôt !
Julie

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Tempest NYC Workshop - 4/26 - discount deadline tomorrow!

meddevi — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:34:24 GMT

At least according to my website, LOL (really, I do write my own website...), though I'll have it up at least through tomorrow.

I will be teaching a 2 hour workshop on my "Nouveau Noir" style of Gothic Bellydance in NYC on April 26th, from 12-2pm. This is the first presentation of this workshop, all new combos and accents.

So save $10 and register now, plus secure your spot, as I only have about 10 spaces left. http://darklydramatic.com/tempest/nyc.html

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Zompires invade Raqs B (UK)

lucretia — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:23:14 GMT

Yes, I'm teaching a zompire (zombie/vampire hybrid) workshop including choreography at Raqs B. As it's 8.30am!!! on a Sunday morning, seems appropriate that it's called 'Living Dead Girls'. So come and join me on the darkside, I don't want to be the only one getting up that early .

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 3 replies

Looking for Music...any ideas?

bugwitch — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:26:23 GMT

I'm looking for something that has a "gothic" sound, that is also heavily influenced (or vice versa) by Eastern sounds (India, specifically).

I've come across a group called Rajna and they are nice to listen to, but I'm looking for something a little "heavier" and just various sounds that might fit into this category.

Any ideas? Thanks all.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 8 replies

The Community Energy Exchange (aka, what I want to see more of in 2008)

meddevi — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:29:30 GMT

(posted originally in the Tribal Fusion Faire tribe)

I'm creating a new topic, because I think there's some things that everyone needs to consider and think about for 2008. And not just for Tribal Fusion Faire, but for every event you may attend. I started putting on events back in Rhode Island, long before I was a dancer, and still continue to participate in many ways for all sorts of events - as a vendor, as a teacher, as a performer, as a designer, and as a producer, and I have been thinking about community a lot lately.

Just some things for you to think about:

The number of producers who put on an event or festival with the intention of making a profit is a very small number. In fact, I can't think of any I work with who started to do an event for that purpose or continue it with that in mind. Producers put on events because they want to bring something to their community - to create a place where people can learn, can perform, can shop, and can network with other dancers.

And it's expensive to do. Most folks don't realize how much money goes into making an event happen - there's renting the venue/s, advertising, sound/lighting, web-hosting, program printing, instructor costs, etc. Vendors do generally bare the brunt of the cost, and that's something else to remember - that vendors spend a lot of time and money to be able to bring you product.

It actually physically PAINS me to hear people say that Kajira or Wendy "are just doing it for the money" because I can't think of two more community-devoted individuals. And frankly, the abuse ain't worth the money, so it's a much deeper desire than that. The desire to foster community and to provide for it. I would liken it to a mother being kicked by a screaming 2 year-old repeatedly...she hopes eventually one day the child will appreciate what she does for them, and in turn, will provide for others in the same way.

And it does take a lot of work on the part of performing dancers, especially troupes - to bring everyone together, costume them, create a set, and practice it. But never forget, if it wasn't for the events and festivals, most dancers wouldn't have a venue to display their art to an educated community that appreciates it.

And if it wasn't for the lighting, we couldn't see you on stage.

And if it wasn't for the sound guy, there would be no music to dance to (or hear the bands properly).

And if it wasn't for the attendees, then there would be no one to dance for. No one to teach. No one to buy your wares. No festival.

So, the next time you go to a hafla or festival, or a workshop, or whatever it is....take a moment to consider all of the forces that come together to make ANY event happen, and your part in it. And if you want MORE to happen, then use your voice and hands and see what you can do to help manifest it. Just handing money over doesn't make the cycle healthy - there has to be mutual respect and understanding.

Appreciate the teachers who share with you their knowledge, appreciate the technicians who make the performances possible, appreciate the dancers who share their art, appreciate the vendors who bring the shinies, and appreciate the volunteers who make the cogs and wheels spin and crank.

Even if it's just a thank you, that goes a long way in the energy exchange of the community.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 9 replies

Private Lessons with frederique (x-post)

Tayissa Blue — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:49:44 GMT

Greetings all,

The fabulous Frederique has some time in her schedule while she is up here in Seattle for private lessons on Sunday April 13! Please contact me to make arrangements:

tayissablue@yahoo.com

There are some show tickets and workshops spots left available if you are interested:

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

-Tayissa Blue

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

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Tempest?

Laura — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:33:10 GMT

Forgive me if this has been brought up before but I just picked up a magazine at the local news stand here in Cincinnati, OH called "Bellydance - A Raqs Sharqi Magazine" and low and behold in the article "Tribal Fusion Faire 2007" there's our lovely, talented Tempest!!

I recognized your vending booth from a picture of the "shopping" area (you have such beautiful artwork) and then turned the page and there you were participating in a workshop! :)

It was just great discovering this magazine and then seeing one of the dancers I most admire in the pages! :)

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 4 replies

new online payment option

Saz'hrah — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:28:42 GMT

Sorry for the outside arena of posts here but it is easier to post her then message everyone.
I have set up an online payment option for Enchanted Darkness: The Masquerade. There are no extra fees involved and you can even use your paypal acct. This is good for vendors, performers, workshop atendees and more. Hope to see you there.

http://enchanteddarkness.eventbrite.com/

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Article: We all "Pay to Play"

meddevi — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:31:22 GMT

(this was one of the writings I alluded to in the Mortal Sins thread)

It doesn't matter where you are in this community, we all "pay to play" and I'm sick of the phrase being used as a means to be a snide ass and downgrade events for any number of excuses.

From the student to the teacher, the vendor to the event producer, we all invest money for our art, there's nothing free about what we do, whether we do it as professionals or hobbyists, for enjoyment, for profit.

A growing number of events *across the world* stipulate that in order to perform at an event, those who actively participate in the event, whether by taking workshops, vending, or volunteering, get first dibs at the performance slots. Why? Because those people are *actively* investing in the event - and not just monetarily. Why is this an issue? Because a LARGE amount of people see the event solely as a opportunity for them to dance. Not to learn something new, or network with others, but as a possible "free" means to showcase their asses on stage. It doesn't matter whether it's a hafla or major festival, there are always those people who show up just in time to dance and then leave as soon as they're done. For a very small percentage, there's a good reason - family commitment, another gig that just showed up, etc....but besides that VERY small percentage, there's no good excuse.

If you're going to spend X amount of dollars to drive to someplace to dance for free, and claim you have lots of other paying gigs you have to attend, so you can't take a workshop or watch anyone else, then perhaps you shouldn't be dancing at the event in the first place. You really want to make a name for yourself in the community? Take an ACTIVE part. Watch other dancers performing. Take a workshop---the best dancers, those who have been dancing for decades, they STILL take workshops...if you think you're too good to take a workshop, especially when you have 10-50 to chose from, then there's no loss in your absence on the stage. If you don't have $30 to spend on a workshop, then you certainly don't have $30 in gas to get there, or $100 to spend on jewelry or pants. Yet, I'm amazed when I see people who harp incessantly about how broke they are, they can't take a workshop, and then I see them uploading big bucks on costuming at the event.

I love the shinies myself, but no amount of shinies can replace knowledge. A single move or a new twist or thought process that can be added to your vocabulary, that improves and enhances your performance will last you much longer than a pair of pants or a pair of earrings.

Last year, I heard from several mouths that they didn't even bother taking the workshop they had signed up for, they just wanted to dance. (In one or two of those instances, the individuals bought a workshop they knew they couldn't attend, in support of that instructor, which is a nice sentiment, and I understand it, but the rest...) I don't even have words for that. Just cringing.

Money is not an excuse if you're an active dancer who wants to perform. Regardless of your budget. There's always something to be done at a festival.

And if you have some sort of concept that event producers are just making money hand over first at events at your expense, that tells me you've never held a real event ever.

A large event venue, depending on where it is costs several thousand dollars to rent for a single whole day. Then there's the lighting...because we know as dancers, we like to be seen on stage, and we want GOOD lighting, not crappy lighting that makes us look sallow and ill. That's several hundred dollars easily. And then there's the sound...you want your music to sound good? So that means at least 2 monitor main speakers and a subwoofer. Oh, you want to hear the music yourself on stage? Add two more monitors for the stage. You really want to hear the bass? Add another subwoofer. Plus the amps, mixer, and cd-players. Easily a 10,000 investment, and most places rent equipment out at 10-20% of the total retail cost, per day. And the guy to run it *who knows what he's doing*.

As a vendor, I have never said, "you should let me in for free, because I'm the reason you make money." So when I hear dancers say that for festivals line-ups, I'd like to enlighten them. As a vendor, I'm there to make money, and I understand that my investment helps pay for the space which provides the venue for the event to take place. No event, no place to vend, no money to make. It's a communal system. We ALL contribute, from the paying attendee to the performer, vendor, teacher, and producer.

Everyone bitches about the Rakkasah call-in. But you want to dance for free and get in for free? That's the system they use to decide who dances. And everyone bitches about the quality of dancing, etc. Did you know that people who sign up for the workshop series get a performance slot and first dibs (besides the teachers)? Most people seem to ignore that fact. Those that invest the time and money get rewarded. Sounds fair to me.

You want a better show? Then the performers are hand-picked by the producer. OR you can increase the chances of better performances by rewarding those who make the investment in the event. There's nothing crooked about it. People who plan on performing months in advance are far more likely to put a lot more effort into their performance.

People who play an active part in an event show that they care, and these are the people who are known in the community. The majority of successful workshop leaders out there, who have been out there, and continue to be successful at it, they understand community. They foster it at home and abroad. Money isn't the bottom line for them. We all appreciate money, and so does the electric and gas companies, and our landlords..but if we were doing it for the money alone, we wouldn't be doing this very long. It's our love of the dance and our commitment to it. It's what drives us to be insane enough to hold events and try to foster community. Cause it ain't the money.

So if you think investing in your dance career is "pay to play", you're right. No matter what the event is, we're all paying in some way to be there - we pay for lessons, costuming, music, etc. All the money we invest, we get something for it - knowledge, adornment, the opportunity to perform and to grow.

If you don't see that in any respect, then I don't think I want to see you dance.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 36 replies

Dancers Wanted

evil — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:32:32 GMT

I am looking for friendly & patient semi-professional belly dancers and/or fire performers for a dance company. Age between 21-37. Dancers must provide thier own costmes. Absolutely no egos or drama allowed. If interested contact Evil Raven. We are located in the San Gabriel Valley area in CA

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Mortal Sins forthcoming

meddevi — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:28:26 GMT

Hi folks, inspired by discussions with other professionals and students over the last few months, I'm working on a several short articles concerning dance etiquette, professionalism, copyrights, and other business issues, particularly in how they relate to Gothic Bellydance and the bellydance community. So I will be posting them as I finish them by topic. Some of it may be common sense, but I also realize that a lot of dancers are coming from areas where there's not a lot of interaction with other dancers, whether because of politics or because the community's just not that big....and students don't always have the benefit of learning from someone who's been in the biz for the last 20-30 years, so a lot of those nuances are learned the hard way. Since we're already known for being the weird ones, I'd love it if we're known for being "weird, but so very professional to deal with!"

To start things off, I'm posting two earlier writings.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 8 replies

quick little fire sword clip :)

Slamber — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:05:13 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEOlyL4F0mo

(labelled incorrectly - Id be in trouble if my boobs were as low as my knees. give me 10 years!)

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 7 replies

Gothla UK 2008 update

Bridie — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:06:08 GMT

Bookings for Gothla UK are continuing to come in steadily. The hafla is half-sold, as are all of Ariellah's, Sashi's and Deva Matisa's Vampire Combos workshops. There are just two places left on Ariellah's Masterclass.

Grab them before someone else does!

Go to www.gothla.co.uk to sign up.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 1 reply

Jersey Shore GBD Intensive

meddevi — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:41:44 GMT

I know it's short notice, but this looks to be the only time I'll be able to fit one in for the local peeps, as my schedule's packed for the next several months.

We're doing an intensive at the end of the world, aka, the southernmost tip of NJ. It's actually quite nice here ;)

The Date: Saturday, March 22nd

What: Two 2 hour workshops on Gothic Bellydance : Dramatic Body Language (moves and combos for the whole body) and Drop Dead Dramatic! (spins, turns, and floorwork)

Where: North Beach Gym in North Cape May - right off of exit 0 of the GSP, route 9, and just next to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry port.

How Much: I'm getting a deal, so you get a deal too: $25 for each workshop, $45 for both, up until March 18th. Space is very limited though!

What Else: I'm in the midst of finalizing an after-party/gothla-hafla location in the general vicinity which also provide a place to nibble and dribble...contact me about performing.

Descriptions and Online Registration: http://www.darklydramatic.com/tempest/nj.html

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 7 replies

Lonely Goth in Utah

Liberty — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:19:24 GMT

Hey there. Newbie here. I am very pleased to have found a place for me to be my gothy, bellydancer self. I am living in the mormon capital of the world. Yay, Utah. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful place (I was raised here) and I have made some amazing friends here. I am in St. George which has a goth population of zero. I am feeling somewhat lonely here and am currently surrounded by a pastel hell as my co-workers deck out our workspace in easter bunnies. ugh. I have a bellydance group, most of whom are very down with the whole gothic bellydance thing, but in comparison, I sometimes feel like Wednesday Addams with a tassel belt. I am longing for an opportunity to perform gothic bellydace, but I don't think the audience here will be very accepting. What am I to do? Should I just say "fuck it" and be myself, no matter what the locals think? A friend of mine has a t-shirt that says "Better to be a true sinner then a false saint". I guess the only part I am having trouble with is going it solo, since my group focuses on Medieval SCA Bellydancing. I would love to host a gothla but I am not sure if many of the local bellydancers would be into that. I guess I don't know until I try, eh? Anyway, I am rambling at this point. Thanks for letting me vent.

Darkest Blessings,
Liberty

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 9 replies

Prehistoric bunnies

timrayborn — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:59:07 GMT

Tiny foot bones from a 53 million-year-old rabbit ancestor represent the oldest known record of hippity-hoppity mammals and their closest evolutionary relations, according to a new study.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20080321/sc_livescience/fossilofoldestrabbitrelativefound

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 1 reply

BellyFusions Festival - Janvier/January 2009

etoile — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:44:20 GMT

The first newsletter is available here: www.bellyfusions.com/newsletter/newsletter_0802.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------*-- English version below --*---------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------

LANCEMENT DU FESTIVAL BELLYFUSIONS
-- Appel à candidatures --

Première manifestation française dédiée aux fusions en danses orientales, le festival BellyFusions sera avant tout un rendez-vous original en France permettant aux artistes de présenter leurs dernières créations, voire expérimentations lors d'un spectacle unique.

Parmi les styles abordés, le festival ouvre sa programmation à des domaines aussi variés que la danse orientale contemporaine, le flamenco oriental, le gypsy fusion, la salsa orientale, le bellywood, la fusion indo-orientale, l'indian fusion, le bellypopping, le tribal ATS, le tribal-fusion, le tribal gothique, le style burlesque, etc…

Une liste non exhaustive ouverte à toutes les formes de fusions avec les danses traditionnelles orientales.

*****************************************
--- FESTIVAL BELLYFUSIONS ---
24 & 25 janvier 2009 - Paris
2 journées d'ateliers thématiques
1 spectacle éphémère unique
*****************************************

Informations sur le festival & newsletter : http://www.bellyfusions.com

Faites connaître ce festival autour de vous en diffusant cet email ainsi que l'adresse du site de l'événement à vos contacts.

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

APPEL A CANDIDATURES

Pour cette première édition qui se déroulera le week-end des 24 et 25 janvier 2009, le festival BellyFusions lance un appel à participation auprès des artistes et compagnies professionnels, afin de définir sa programmation.

Informations et dossier à télécharger : http://www.bellyfusions.com

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

LAUNCHING THE BELLYFUSIONS FESTIVAL
-- Call for Teachers & Performers --

The first French Festival dedicated to these fusions in oriental dances, the BellyFusions Festival will be above all a new event in France, where artists will be able to show their latest creations or even experimentations during a special evening show.

The Festival will be open to a variety of styles such as Contemporary Oriental Dance, Oriental Flamenco, Gypsy Fusion, Oriental Salsa, Bellywood, Indo-Oriental Fusion, Indian Fusion, Bellypopping, American Tribal Style, Tribal Fusion, Gothic Fusion, Burlesque Cabaret, etc.

****************************************************
--- BELLYFUSIONS FESTIVAL ---
January, the 24th & 25th 2009 - Paris (FRANCE)
An eclectic programme of workshops over 2 days
A unique evening show
****************************************************

Informations about the festival & newsletter: http://www.bellyfusions.com/index_english.php

Please spread the word by sending this mail to your contacts.

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

CALL FOR TEACHERS & PERFORMERS

For this first Festival, scheduled for the 24th and 25th of January 2009, The BellyFusions Festival organisers are looking for solo artists as well as professional dance companies in order to complete their programme.

Infos and application form can be downloaded on: http://www.bellyfusions.com/index_english.php

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 2 replies

Night Of The Lepus

Shahlah-Sutra — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:05:43 GMT

In keeping with our love of bunnies on this tribe I wanted share knowledge of this movie I had the unfortunate pleaser of stumbling across in the middle of the night. I won't even explain here because this movie defies explanation, just read and enjoy!

http://www.badmovies.org/movies/nightlepus/

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 3 replies

Enchanted Darkness updates

Saz'hrah — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:33:04 GMT

There have been some updates to the Enchanted Darkness: The Masquerade website www.enchanteddarkness.net

This is an amazing event so I hope to see you all there. Let me know if you have any questions.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Gothic Beauty

anaar — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:23:30 GMT

I just got an advance copy of Gothic Beauty with my ad in it! I am so excited! It came out quite well. But oddly enough I am now experiencing some anxiety. Nothing major, just your run of the mill butterflies. I am committed to doing 2 ads. Then after seeing what response I get I can decide on going for color or just dropping it. The ad is quite expensive. The minimum is getting my money back.

The ad looks great though. The only thing is I added our names to identify the models, Tempest and Anaar, it's only fair to give her credit. But after looking at the ad, I realize that people might think that Tombo Studio is a design collaboration of Tempest and Anaar. While I love Tempest's designs, I think it's terribly misleading.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 7 replies

Darkly Gorgeous Vendors and Sellers

TerraNoir — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:59:23 GMT

I was wondering if anyone has any favorite sellers or vendors online? Trying to find some awesome costume pieces since my birthday is coming up and I know I'm getting some cards with cash in them. My family has given up on shopping for me. OR I could give them some links to hint at something they could get me. Of course I'm definately getting a belt from our moderator....just looking for some other lovely pieces.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 2 replies

Delishus brocade skull fabric

Petra — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:28:03 GMT

I stumbled across this on eBay while looking for something else....this stuff is gorgeous! I got a yard of the gold & black.

http://stores.ebay.com/fabricmasterpieces

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 8 replies

Baby koala

timrayborn — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:23:08 GMT

Just because I like to watch all you spooky goths squeal.

:-D

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=30032960

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 6 replies

Gothic costume accessories?

Pandora — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:41:36 GMT

Who knows of any links to sellers of gothic costuming accessories? Stuff like silver hoops to put on bras and/or belts, coins, and chains with more of a goth/punk look to them, medallions and beads to put on gothic tribal belts and/or tops. Not american tribal but gothic tribal. Can anyone suggest a seller in Canada or America that has at least some of these items?

Thank you everybody!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Costuming for beginners

Swan — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:48:56 GMT

What kind of costumes are recommended for beginning belly dancers? Is there a gothic belly dance equilivant to the "little black dress"?

I feel overwhelmed when I begin to think about costuming....

Swan

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 11 replies

Performers for Frederique show in Seattle

Tayissa Blue — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:01:09 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 Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Tempest in Detroit

meddevi — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:06:28 GMT

Hi folks!

I will be teaching 9 hours of workshops in Detroit, MI on March 29th-30th, plus performing. Find out all of the details here: http://blazingbellydance.com

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 9 replies

INDUSTRIAL Belly Dance group nO thiNg plays the BOX in Santa Cruz this Monday, March 17th

looppool — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:47:13 GMT

My Industrial Middleeastern Dance project, nO thiNg will be
performing a rare live show at the BOX in Santa Cruz this coming
Monday, March 17th.

We will perform from 10-11 and then the J-Synth Goth band, the ROYAL DEAD will
perform immediately afterward (hailing from Osaka, they were one of the headling
groups at the Kobe Underground Festival in Osaka, before changing their name from Phantasmagoria)

nO thiNg is the project of John Connell and myself. We both have extensive professional experience
performing for both belly dance, tribal belly dance and traditional middleeastern musical settings.

John is a wonderful multi-instrumentalist well known for playing Daf and Ney in traditional Persian settings
and will be playing guitar and synthesizer.

I will be playing Distortion Bass,traditional middleeastern percussion, drumset, industrial metal percussion, keyboards,
string instruments, brass, wind instruments and extended vocal techniques and using a lot of live looping to 'clone' myself.

The purpose of this project is to play traditional rhythms with traditional scales in a very minimal and hardhitting way with a heavy
emphasis on INdustrial timbres.

The whole point is to dance, so I hope that some of the areas gothic belly dancers will show up in all their finery to let the Goths know what this small but beautiful movement is about.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

music available for Gothic BD DVD's?

Maria — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:07:00 GMT

Hi all..
I just saw the GBD "Revelations" DVD over the weekend, but I don't
have the means to burn a CD of the music bit by bit.
Is there a commercially available CD of the tracks somewhere to
purchase? (I'd also be interested in the music from the first GBD
DVD as well..) Either that or I can make some cowrie tassels
or a cool headpiece if someone wants to trade.
Thanks, All!
Maria

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 2 replies

FIRE AND ICE......Darkest Angel, Ariellah

Jim — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:29:14 GMT

Hello all,

Have a look at photos from a shoot last week with Dark Tribal Fusion artist, Ariellah, and fire artist Bruce.

http://www.lafterhall.com/ariellah_bruce.html

Keeping to the shadows...
Jim

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 3 replies

Not bellydance, but books...

Angela — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:47:32 GMT

Sorry if this is inappropriate here, but I'm a bellydancing librarian (not goth, but fusionish, and i do have my dark moments..) and I'm in charge of putting together a list of GOTH books for teens. So, what are you reading? Or perhaps, what were you reading as a teen? I've got some titles, but I thought I'd ask the experts! Thanks so much--

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 25 replies

A Goth Festival in Kentuckiana?

Taletha — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 06:58:16 GMT

Damn straight!

http://www.tl2productions.com/Gothalyptic.htm

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 1 reply

For all of you that may have had this happen...

Anaid — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:24:09 GMT

I got some advice from the lovely Gothmother about jewelry removal that I thought she may want to repost here. :) I recently went through some premenstrual bloating right after a performance and had this large, bulky cuff bracelet stuck on my left hand for 4 days...ouch! But alas it was off, and simple soap did not remedy the situation. I wish I would have thought about bloating before wearing the dang things :(

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 3 replies

temptations...

meddevi — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:52:14 GMT

I finally got around to photographing the new corset belts I have in stock - and the ones I photographed are finished bases that can be sold with or without tassels, and/or become skorsets if appropriate.

Also a bunch of mini-mini hats and mini hats ;) and some hair thingies..

all up here: http://meddevi.tribe.net/photos

and while you're over there, read my latest update regarding custom orders for/before Tribal Fest. I will only be doing a limited amount so I can focus on creating new pieces that have been waiting some time to be made and brought to your eyeballs.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 4 replies

Bay Area Costuming?

Revenant — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:52:07 GMT

Does anyone know where I can find Belly dance clothing in the San Francisco/South Bay Area? I have procrastinated on getting something appropriate, now I have no time to order anything. Doesn't have to be authentic, or full costume, but at least basic pieces that are passable. I wasn't going to worry about this, but seeing as how I am half the team that puts on the event, and I'll be DJing it I would feel bad if I didn't dress in theme for it.

Also, I haven't worn anything tummy exposing in 7 years, mainly because I don't have that perfectly flat tummy. Any ideas/tips for clothing for a bit more confidence?

Thanks in advance,
-Samantha

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Santerian Goths

PoisonedSpoon — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:48:00 GMT

Sooo has anybody come up against this yet? Are there any Santerian Goths on this list? I need buddies or at least somebody to point out where I can find good white costuming because this has got to be the biggest handicap I have ever seen as a dancer. Do any of the other groups like Voudoun or Ifa have the same kind of clothing restrictions? I don't have the foggiest idea what the odds are of finding other dancers of a similar bent but I'm putting the call out. Anybody?

~*Spoon*~

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 11 replies

a little video

Kelly — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:18:40 GMT

so this is me doing a little dark comedy bellydance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXzVRj9C39Q

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 4 replies

Sashi's Bellydance Workshop

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:56:41 GMT

Its gonna be in Orlando, FL whos goin people?

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 3 replies

Kara Nomadica CD update!!

Nomadican — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:23:39 GMT

Good morning everyone!
We are pleased to announce that we are going through the final bits of recording and editing before we send our tracks off to be mastered and mass-produced! Hopefully we will have the LP ready to sell sometime in April.

We are very grateful to those of you who have prepaid the LP for being so patient with us. We really tried to get this thing finished this winter, and we apologize that this didn't happen--we want to provide you with the best possible recordings, so instead of rushing the album out we decided to postpone it.
That being said, we are VERY pleased with the results so far and will be delivering to you a professional product.

Once we release the album we will be putting together a CD release party and will be available for touring around later this year.
If you are putting together a bellydance workshop weekend somewhere and want a great live band drop us a line!!!

Another bulletin will be sent out the day we send the tracks out with a more precice release date!
Thank you for all of your amazing support and wonderful compliments.
We couldn't do this without such amazing fans and audience!

Salaam,
Lawrence and Kara Nomadica

www.karanomadica.com
www.myspace.com/karanomadica

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 0 replies

Observations of Goth Belly Dance/ Delilah

Delilah — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:24:48 GMT

I really enjoy the Goth DVD that came into my house this year via my daughter Laura Rose. As I also love the Experiments in MED series Amara does.

Reminded me of what me and a hand full of dancers were doing in around 1988 into the 90's.
We were renting theaters and art galleries, trying to do dance works inspired by our belly dance roots, but had more to say than what we could do in night clubs. We were not aiming at smily face dances. We wanted to be serious and bare the other facets inside our soul. We were into Goddess archetypes, magic, and the wordless. We inspired dancers around the country or else they were just having the same needs, Z Helen from Texas and Dyanise and Amara in California. Laurel Gray did some pressing pieces with dance companies in Germany.; Examples Egypta, and Cry of the Heart.

We used found sounds, alternative music, voice, poetry, and odd props. Certainly not traditional Middle Eastern.

Examples of some of my dances from that time were;
"Phases of the Moon, Phases of the Mother";
A piece that used 4 Goddesses, Artemis, Aphrodite, Isis, Hecate. Kathy Balducci, Tahia Alibeck, Laurel Gray and Delilah

"Dance to the Great Mother"
a solo that came from the larger piece done while I was 8 months pregnant. Depicted the cycles of a women's Birth experience from Wooing, impregnation, gestation, soul being called to a welcoming to this world.

"Calling Up the Oracle",
this was a 3 person collaboration; dancer, ritual artist and a composer. I wore art, the stage was art and danced with an oracle chair and magic sticks in a ritual preparation to move into trance. The sound track used, animals, women crying, trance percussion sythisized effects and a Middle Eastern zar.

This followed a year later by a second version,

"Calling up the Oracle for Peace"
(It went all the way to Soviet Uzbekistan as part of a peace project).

"Themis Mother of Oracles"
This was a staged dance with an underwater theme. It was about the Deluvian flood story. Themis is the original goddess to the site of Delphi; Known as Mother of Justice. As the last members of the human race are drowning (because of a flood Zeus causes) they send a pray with their last dyeing breaths to the Goddess Themis. She saves them with a riddle
"cast the bones of the Mother Behind you as you walk and new life will arise." being smart young Deluvians they know bones of the mother could only mean stones. So the first goddess temples were huge black stones. (Interesting note, the islamic Ka bah holds a huge black stone, most likely a meteorite )

"Perfect Thunder, Perfect Mind"
A dance done to music and a Gnostic Gospel poem

"Entertainment for the Beloved"
A Ancient Egyptian Choreography with 3 Shadow dancers behind main. Music from 1954 movie sound tract and a live reciting of a poem by Ruth St Denis.

"Hepolitas Belt"
Amazon Queen belt of power stolen by I think it was Hercules. (been a while).

"Hathor's Movement Meditation".

Sorry to go on in such detail. Feels good to remember them cause once a dance is done it fades into the shadows.

Most of my inspiration was from myth, psychology, Joseph Campbell, women studies, Ancient Egypt, Sumer . . .
I learned to be an artist not just a show girl.
The full scope of women could be explored.
There can be no power to the light with out the dark.

While the dance movement vocabulary I had learned since 1973 was belly dance, it only was a key to unlocking so much more inside my soul. We did some really interesting workshops in California in 1997,1998.

After exploring these aspects of dance it lead to "Dancing in Nature" and spiritual and psychic quests. . .
So I perused Sufism to discover pathways for belly dance to be even more. It took me to dance in Rumi's Tomb and Hathors Temple in Egypt 1997and 2000. (Oh by the way I am going to Egypt in April 08 and dancers really interested in Ancient Egyptian dance can join me).

There's more but maybe this is boring. If anyone reads and responds I'll continue. . .

Delilah
of visionarydance.com

***

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 3 replies

GBD @ Stockholm Bellydance Festival

nocturnalfusion — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:15:54 GMT

May 1. at 5.30PM I will be teaching the first gothic fusion class at Stockholm Bellydance Festival (http://www.bellydancefestival.se/schedule.htm). This is a very traditional and "Egyptian" festival, but this year they did not only let me darken their stage, but also their teaching schedule. We will take over the BD world. *moah*

http://www.nocturnalfusion.com

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 6 replies

Sexuality vs Sensuality

Ambrossy — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:27:57 GMT

I posted this on Ariellah's tribe but I thought about sharing this here also...

In the world of bellydance seems this is a problem that is very common. For years bellydancers have being fighting to be treated respectfully rather than a common stripper. The almost mythical sexual tag for bellydancing has being a problem for many performers, that while trying to just perform this beautiful art, they also have to fight guys trying to shove a dollar on their costume.

This dance is to enhance and empower females, and this can be sensual. Even though, people can look at it just sexual and no suitable for children, for example.

Sometimes I wonder if Mata Hari gave us a legacy or a stigma.

What are your thoughts? How can you help the public to differentiate sensual vs sexual? Examples? Comments?

PS: I always thought about 2 websites that would be worthy to create: (1.) Anatomy for bellydancers - explaining with muscle, joint, and bone name how moves work. (Time to undust my anatomy and physiology book) (2.) An informational book about bellydancing, history, culture and things like this topic.

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 77 replies

Belly Wave or Roll

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 07:10:27 GMT

Hello!
Alright, I know this may be quite a weird question to ask but, I have plenty of difficulties to do a belly wave or roll and i have tried and i dont get how i can move my stomach muscles and abdomen to do such a move. I usually form the illusion of the roll with moving my chest and hips in a way that seems like a belly roll but its not exactly the same. So i was wondering if some gals could lend me advice on how they do it or how i could do it? I would appreciate a lot! Thanks!

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 9 replies

How to get your tribe mates to be gothic?

Kiki — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:17:49 GMT

Ok, weird question..I know..But since we decided to do also Gothic Bellydance, I´d like them to feel it a bit more...But how? I mean, from 7 tribe mates I guess only 3 know how a nice gothic bellydance costume looks like.....well, they try so hard..i know they do but in the end...sorry to say that...the just look like the 80´s band KISS....which for me isnt the best gothic bellydance look...and here´s another thing...the facial expression and attitude while dancing...I understand that not everyone can have something what Tempest calls the "I wann eat you for lunch"-look but god!! they dont have any look...How can I teach them to be the right gothic bellydance mistresses?? Please help!! Dont what to do:-( Or should I just give up coz I cant force them? I dunno..i always thought that theres a little goth in all of us.....

posted in Gothic Belly Dance - 29 replies