Belly-ful weekend!
Friday-- Saharabesque! There was some decent dancing and some very good dancing. Saharabesque is Sahara Dance's annual student and teacher showcase for experimental and tribal works. And some of it was fun-- the tribal girls brought some spunk, but some of the fusions just didn't work for me. A cabaret veil dance to a country version of 'Foxy Lady'? Mmmm, not so much. Overall, the performances felt a little imbalanced. The performances with the most flavor and sass (ie, that were the most enjoyable to watch) lacked some technical precision (Tribal Remix, Colleen). The very good technical performances (Chiaki, Mary Kay Brookmire, The Calmes Triplets) lacked the necessary attitude to really wow the crowd. The only person, in my opinion, who really married the two was Ebony, who brought the house down. She was so energetic, and her layering was awesome. Sahara Tribal was pretty good, too, though I'm sad we got no swords this time. Dee Dee and Ami get points for being in synch and redonkulously cute.
As for Rachel Brice, I agree with Sky on this point-- she was technically wonderful. Plus jaw-droppingly beautiful. But I just didn't feel like she was really 'on' Friday night. The performance was overall very low-key, missing that zany pixie vibe that I love so much in her. I think I prefer her best when she's performing with The Indigo-- where she can play off of Zoe's animalistic moves and Mardi's rounded grace. I love her drum solos, and overall... well, she's Rachel frikkin' Brice, but I think I expected a little bit more after seeing Le Serpent Rouge bits. Still, the performance was snakey and cool and well worth watching.
Saturday-- Renfest!
youvebeenpixied, afoundobject, sihaya09, marinatempest, kazoogrrl
How was Faire? In a word: hot. The temperature reached 99 degrees on Saturday, and the heat index put it over 105. I don't think I have ever sweated more in my life. I had such pity for those cast as nobles that had to walk around in layers upon layers all day. I couldn't conceive of even wearing a corset-- which is why bellydance garb proved to be the only reasonable choice for me. I did my best to drink liquids all day long, but I sweated it out faster than I could drink it down. There was sweat rolling down my back and a virtual lake in my cleavage.
I saw the Rogues twice, and Gypsophilia, the Pyrates Royale as well. There was lots of wandering and looking at lovely things-- the metalworking at Faire is nothing short of spectacular. I met several people I've only known online--mizjawnson and thewhitedragon among them. I had the pleasure of seeing musicwolf again, and hanging out with Sarah, as well. I even bumped into someone from the BPAL.org forums-- I recognized her by her Carnivale Diabolique scent locket. I worked up the nerve to tell Stacy (the bellydancer who performs with the Rogues) that I think she's just great, and was a total inspiration to stick with dance last year after I'd just started taking lessons. I tried delicious raspberry wine and blueberry wine and danced. I received roses from nice gentlemen, and wore them in my hair until I had a veritable garden up there! One in particular was so shy that when I walked over to thank him for his rose, he couldn't even look up at me-- it was very sweet. I bought a beautiful raven and moon mug from Dancing Pig Pottery, which sells beautiful Pagan pottery. I delighted one shop owner because my mirror belt turned her little shoppe into a disco when the light hit it just right. And I spent a fun day with some beautiful women. What more could you want, really?
ETA: As it turns out, Sky works with one of the members of Pyrates Royale, who somehow made the connection that Sky was dating one of the bellydancers at Faire (maybe he saw us together at Pub Sing), and made a point to tell him that he thought we bellydancers were very good when we danced together. So yay!
Foreiluned, The Rogues!
They have a new member, and Nelson announced his engagement during the first set.
The peeved sigh that I heard from the other female audience members was nothing short of hilarious.
Brooke and Eugenia rock it ATS style. I'm not sure who the lady in the back is, but what a lovely smile!
Flissy and her annual iced orange lipstick.
The bestowing of the bindi.
Archery!
The lovely Brandie.
I didn't quite catch the name of the dancer who performed with Gypsophilia.
Same one as last year, though-- the one who models for Crimson Gypsy. She was quite good.
Improv time at the Dragon!
Tribal communication.
Brooke and Amy share a smile.
Still improv-ing.
Amy takes the lead.
After we finished. My expression really says it all.
Q: How sweaty were we?
A: OMG.
Sunday -- Tribal Cafe featuring Mavi, Kallisti Tribal, and Asharah! Dear Asylum, host venue of Tribal Cafe, when you know that you're going to be, say, packed to the gills, it might behoove you to have more than one server and more than one cook. Especially if both are new within the week. Just sayin'.
Anywhoo. The dancing was good. :)
Mavi started the show off in all her blue-haired beauty. The sword dance number was by far my favorite. Kallisti Tribal brought the fun and funky music-- guys, what was that last song? 'Cause it was awesome. Anyway, lots of energy, lots of bright colors, big smiles all around. And then came Asharah. I'm really, really convinced she's not human. This woman pops and locks with the most wicked expression. I can't wait to see the pics from this show-- her faces were primal, and they matched the music and dancing so perfectly. Her last piece made my jaw hit the floor-- this woman power shimmies like nothing I have ever seen. Anyway, the matter is settled. Provided I work out the carpooling, I will shortly be paying this woman to kick my ass in class. 'Cause she's just that awesome.
As for this week-- I am behind on beadwork. Tonight, I'm taking pictures, finishing packages, starting on a rosary. I've got a couple of dinners to attend, and rehearsal, as usual, but I really need to build in some downtime, 'cause I've been really busy of late. And now I peruse the BPAL Halloween offerings! Expect a post wherein I mull my options by the end of the day. :)
As for Rachel Brice, I agree with Sky on this point-- she was technically wonderful. Plus jaw-droppingly beautiful. But I just didn't feel like she was really 'on' Friday night. The performance was overall very low-key, missing that zany pixie vibe that I love so much in her. I think I prefer her best when she's performing with The Indigo-- where she can play off of Zoe's animalistic moves and Mardi's rounded grace. I love her drum solos, and overall... well, she's Rachel frikkin' Brice, but I think I expected a little bit more after seeing Le Serpent Rouge bits. Still, the performance was snakey and cool and well worth watching.
Saturday-- Renfest!
youvebeenpixied, afoundobject, sihaya09, marinatempest, kazoogrrlHow was Faire? In a word: hot. The temperature reached 99 degrees on Saturday, and the heat index put it over 105. I don't think I have ever sweated more in my life. I had such pity for those cast as nobles that had to walk around in layers upon layers all day. I couldn't conceive of even wearing a corset-- which is why bellydance garb proved to be the only reasonable choice for me. I did my best to drink liquids all day long, but I sweated it out faster than I could drink it down. There was sweat rolling down my back and a virtual lake in my cleavage.
I saw the Rogues twice, and Gypsophilia, the Pyrates Royale as well. There was lots of wandering and looking at lovely things-- the metalworking at Faire is nothing short of spectacular. I met several people I've only known online--
mizjawnson and thewhitedragon among them. I had the pleasure of seeing musicwolf again, and hanging out with Sarah, as well. I even bumped into someone from the BPAL.org forums-- I recognized her by her Carnivale Diabolique scent locket. I worked up the nerve to tell Stacy (the bellydancer who performs with the Rogues) that I think she's just great, and was a total inspiration to stick with dance last year after I'd just started taking lessons. I tried delicious raspberry wine and blueberry wine and danced. I received roses from nice gentlemen, and wore them in my hair until I had a veritable garden up there! One in particular was so shy that when I walked over to thank him for his rose, he couldn't even look up at me-- it was very sweet. I bought a beautiful raven and moon mug from Dancing Pig Pottery, which sells beautiful Pagan pottery. I delighted one shop owner because my mirror belt turned her little shoppe into a disco when the light hit it just right. And I spent a fun day with some beautiful women. What more could you want, really? ETA: As it turns out, Sky works with one of the members of Pyrates Royale, who somehow made the connection that Sky was dating one of the bellydancers at Faire (maybe he saw us together at Pub Sing), and made a point to tell him that he thought we bellydancers were very good when we danced together. So yay!
For
eiluned, The Rogues!They have a new member, and Nelson announced his engagement during the first set.
The peeved sigh that I heard from the other female audience members was nothing short of hilarious.
Brooke and Eugenia rock it ATS style. I'm not sure who the lady in the back is, but what a lovely smile!
Flissy and her annual iced orange lipstick.
The bestowing of the bindi.
Archery!
The lovely Brandie.
I didn't quite catch the name of the dancer who performed with Gypsophilia.
Same one as last year, though-- the one who models for Crimson Gypsy. She was quite good.
Improv time at the Dragon!
Tribal communication.
Brooke and Amy share a smile.
Still improv-ing.
Amy takes the lead.
After we finished. My expression really says it all.
Q: How sweaty were we?
A: OMG.
Sunday -- Tribal Cafe featuring Mavi, Kallisti Tribal, and Asharah! Dear Asylum, host venue of Tribal Cafe, when you know that you're going to be, say, packed to the gills, it might behoove you to have more than one server and more than one cook. Especially if both are new within the week. Just sayin'.
Anywhoo. The dancing was good. :)
Mavi started the show off in all her blue-haired beauty. The sword dance number was by far my favorite. Kallisti Tribal brought the fun and funky music-- guys, what was that last song? 'Cause it was awesome. Anyway, lots of energy, lots of bright colors, big smiles all around. And then came Asharah. I'm really, really convinced she's not human. This woman pops and locks with the most wicked expression. I can't wait to see the pics from this show-- her faces were primal, and they matched the music and dancing so perfectly. Her last piece made my jaw hit the floor-- this woman power shimmies like nothing I have ever seen. Anyway, the matter is settled. Provided I work out the carpooling, I will shortly be paying this woman to kick my ass in class. 'Cause she's just that awesome.
As for this week-- I am behind on beadwork. Tonight, I'm taking pictures, finishing packages, starting on a rosary. I've got a couple of dinners to attend, and rehearsal, as usual, but I really need to build in some downtime, 'cause I've been really busy of late. And now I peruse the BPAL Halloween offerings! Expect a post wherein I mull my options by the end of the day. :)