ISSN 1177-2808
MEDANZ News Middle Eastern Dance Association of New Zealand August / September 2010 I like travelling about although I have only managed to leave NZ once and that was to Melbourne for ten days a few years ago now. My work has enabled me to go to Nelson and also to Christchurch so I am certainly looking forward to visiting there for the 2012 MEDANZ festival and I have a special account where I have started squirreling a few dollars away already. Meanwhile here in the North Island there is quite a smorgasbord of Bellydance stuff from which to choose and I have managed so far since MEDANZ to do a couple of 8 week courses arranged by Mirage of Taupo with some exciting new teachers drawn from the group, go to a Hafla with Arabian Spice in Tauranga and attend a weekend course in Hamilton with Pip E-Lysaah. Iris (Suher) is coming to Taupo in August so no travelling for me for that. Now what exciting stuff is advertised in “What’s On” featured in this issue? Maybe I will see you there? Oh and ‘wow’ to the snazzy shiny new MEDANZ Membership card. Have you got yours? Dancing off now from Thomasina
CALLING ALL TUTORS This year’s MEDANZ festival feels like it is only just over for many of us
Information Central
2
But now is the time we need you to start thinking about next year’s festival 2011
Presidential Ponderings
3
Are you Covered?
3
We need your submissions for what you want to teach at festival,
Review: Club Orientale
4
because without our local tutors offering to teach workshops it wouldn’t be the same And we need it sooner rather than later no later than 31 October 2010 Please send all submissions for workshops to workshops@medanz.org.nz Looking forward to hearing from you Adilah/Karen
Review: Winter Warm-up
4-5
Life Time Membership
6-7
When Dancing = Pain
8-9
World Record Attempt
10
Review: Go Tribal
12
Review: Taupo Body Art
13-14
Calling All Performers
14
What's On
15
Web Site
Committee Details
www.medanz.org.nz User Name: medanz
President - Amanda Bound Hm: (06) 758 1097 Cell: (027) 478 9029
Password: bellyroll
Vice President - Bronwyn Mohring Hm: (03) 471 0247 Cell (027) 234 1024 Secretary - Karen Walworth Hm: (07) 823 7232 Cell: (027) 448 9001
How to contact us MEDANZ
Treasurer & Membership - Lynley Murphy Hm: (07) 886 7742 Cell: (027) 454 0478
Suite 3051 P O Box 13-240 Johnsonville Wellington 6440
Linley Duncan Hm:: (07) 552 4352 Cell: (027) 286 3452
Committee : committee@medanz.org.nz
Maarie Hutana Hm: (03) 383 4942 Cell: (021) 261 4539
Librarian: library@medanz.org.nz
Sharnie Riley Hm: (07) 549 1017
Membership : membership@medanz.org.nz
Dianne Thompson Hm:: (07) 378 1127 Cell: (027) 471 7673
Newsletter : newsletter@medanz.org.nz Treasurer : treasurer@medanz.org.nz
Bank Account Details: 12-3011-0758507-
51
please note the suffix
Include your name, Membership No and reason (ie: sub / festival /DVD etc)
Contributions, including original articles, photos, reviews and letters are very welcome.
The cut off date for the October / November newsletter is
20 SEPTEMBER Page 2
MEDANZ News
August / September 2010
Brrrrrr, I dislike the cold immensely, I find it’s even difficult to get motivated to practice dancing when its really cold, much easier to sit wrapped up in a blanket in front of the TV!! I don’t know about everyone else, but it seems to me that during winter time people just don’t bother to come out to attend classes either. On the flip side, it’s a great time to listen to plenty of new music and start working out what moves you can do, ready for when its warmer and the inclination and motivation has returned. As with all cyclical and seasonal stuff, we are currently seeking submissions for workshops and performances for Festival 2011 in the sunny, warm, Bay of Plenty. Yep, that imagery is working for me – warm sun, gentle waves lapping against sandy beaches, starting to feel warmer already …… Now, where was I, oh yes get your submissions in by 31 October 2010 to workshops@medanz.org.nz for workshops; and performance@medanz.org.nz for show and/or hafla performance items. We will be contacting everyone as soon as we can after the cutoff date, but certainly by mid November, to let them know which of their submissions have been accepted. It has come to our attention in the past week or so that some people are still using a gmail address which they are sending newsletter items to. If you have used the gmail address and your item has not been printed, it is because we didn’t get it. Please resend your item to newsletter@medanz.org.nz so that it can be included in the next newsletter. We are in the process of trying to block the gmail account. If you would like to contribute articles, information about upcoming workshops in your area, or anything else that you think our members would be interested in reading about, please send them to newsletter@medanz.org.nz. Regards Aaminah
Are You Covered? Many of you no doubt subscribe to Bellydance Quickies—a dose of something bellydance that comes into your inbox every single day. But for those of you that aren't, last Friday's Quickie gave me something to think about and perhaps you too. Are your belly dance costumes and props covered by insurance? Imagine what would happen if your car or house was broken into or even worse your house destroyed by fire. You have a considerable investment in your belly dance gear—get them covered by insurance—it costs next to nothing and if they are lost you can replace them. And make sure you have a photographic record of all you own with the date purchased and the price (and receipts if possible). For many of us, the combined cost of our belly dance gear expensive things we own. Protect it and yourself!
August / September 2010
MEDANZ News
makes it one of the most
P age 3
Christchurch School of Contemporary Belly Dance Club Orientale by Fern It was coincidence that I was in town and partly through my naivety I was able to perform in this show. Maarie told me the weekend I was in Christchurch, the School of Contemporary Belly Dance was having a Club Orientale and I said ohh goody can I play too? She did warn me that things were a little more formal in Christchurch than in Dunedin! I keep forgetting how much bigger Christchurch is than Dunedin, and its pool of bellydancers and teachers just so much more extensive. So I was pretty nervous when it came to performing and I saw the effort so many people had gone to with lights and music and rehearsals and costumes and practice. It could all be a bit intimidating,… that is, if they weren’t so warm and welcoming. This show had performances by students of different levels and also their teachers. Some times experienced teachers performed alongside students, and not always at the front. This was a very nice touch. And a surprise or two was thrown in. Some of the show was a blur of colour and nerves but in a lovely night there were pieces that stood out for me. Please don’t feel offended if I haven’t mentioned you, the whole show was lovely and I am only allowed so much space in the magazine. So in no particular order: I really enjoyed the level 2 Oriental choreography, especially the way some girls kept checking in on each other smiling and adjusting their position so everyone was seen. These little connections, along with their confidence with the music and how their moves related to it, made it special for me. The mixed level Turkish was pretty wild, quite addictive and a successful choreography (it also looked fun to do). I feel the Gypsy Caravan style troupe Clessidra really understands the whole tribal essence, enjoy who you are dancing with, connect with each other and the audience will connect with you. Saryntine got even wilder, with fab music, great interpretation, sexy costumes and really contagious smiles. Maarie hula’d her way into our hearts. And Angela Mott turned up, how cool is that? I like not reading the performance list, I like nice surprises. Amanda amazed with an improv drum solo. She says it was because of the costume, but honestly when she starts dancing I don’t even notice the costume I’m too absorbed her dance. And then there was Kenny. I had lent him a Bollywood DVD and was looking forward to seeing what he made of it. WOW. I mean WOW and like,…. well, WOW. Yeah,… nah,…. sorry I guess you just had to be there.
Winter Warm up 2010 with Aida Noir by Kashmir Just back from the 15th Winter Warm Up in Brisbane with guest teacher Aida Nour of Egypt. This was the second short, ie four day, format intensive. Last year we had both Mohamed Kazafy and Lubna Emam but this year was a welcome return to the single tutor format. What is the Brisbane Winter Warm Up? For those of you who have never been, the idea is that you slot into the mind set and style of a single tutor for several days. The day starts with lectures and hands on with physios who have worked with belly dancers over many years. Next the warm up - usually by taken by AMED's Yasmini. Then the real work begins with a master teacher from Egypt. We have 4.5 -5 hours contact time with the teacher then the evening activities. There is always the bazaar and a concert but there are also dinners and sometimes lectures and/or videos. So what has pulled me back for 14 years? (I missed the first one). Mainly this is a chance to learn from the source of the dance unmediated by western bias. All the Winter Warm Up teachers (apart from Bobby Farrah) have been Egyptian born with a long history in professional belly dance. They can dance Orientale. They also know Egyptian folk styles – the movement vocabulary, the music and the costuming. Page 4
MEDANZ News
August / September 2010
But also the format means you get a chance at depth you can never get with one or two short workshops. Over four (or even better eight) days you can begin to see patterns in the way a dancer works. Something you couldn’t get on day one, snaps into focus on the third day, for example. There is also the sense of community. Once a year you get to met in person with those who share a passion for Egyptian belly dance. A rare breed. It’s great to be surrounded by people who can discuss the evolution of Egyptian dance or who understand that milaya lef was created by Mahmoud Reda and can compare different interpretations. This Year’s Workshops This year we covered four styles with Aida. We looked at two Reda style tableaux. First a Siwa Bedouin piece that has probably not been taught outside of Egypt since Mahmoud Reda created it in the 1960s. The second was a fellahi village scene with two groups of duelling girls. In both cases the technique was not difficult (“flat feet – you are not ballet girls!”) and the choreography consisted of only five or six sequences. What made it work was how the groups interacted; changing positions, crossing lines and using cascade sequences. More complex was the Moushah – often called “Andalusian”. This style comes from the style of poetry of ancient Andalusia rather than having any actual connection with the dance of the area. This was a theatre piece with dramatic costumes addressing issues of life and death with almost constant direction changes. I failed the challenge to learn in under five hours but a few did master it. Thank goodness the official video is now available. We also learnt three Orientale pieces. With one, Aida specifically directed us to take her structure and improvise our own variations around the music. This is a task I am currently working on – while trying to retain Aida’s style. The Sunday Night Concert In addition to the workshops, there was also a concert on Sunday night. This year I decided to just relax in the audience and it was well worth missing a few minutes in the spotlight. What a truly great show. For a start most of it was belly dance – which has not been the case in the last three “belly dance” shows I have attended. The excuse often given for adding jazz, fusion and burlseque is that the audience would be bored with a show of straight belly dance – but this proved otherwise. There were a couple of fusion numbers – but even they contained strong belly dance elements. Seventeen acts – all but two were solos – and not two even slightly similar. From the comedy of Cleofatra to the elegance of Elenie, from Shaheena’s Turkish Rom to Michelle’s bead popping drum solo, from Nandah’s beautiful Golden Age reconstruction to Virginia’s crafted Modern Egyptian – every act was a gem. And the jewel in the crown was Aida Nour who danced for us. At least one woman behind me (not a belly dancer) was moved to tears by her deceptively simple performance. Next Year’s Intensive: Next year Dr Mo Geddawi is returning. For the first four days (9-12 July) there will be the normal workshops. From the Wednesday to Sunday (13-17 July) Dr Mo will presenting his teacher training from 9am to 9pm. As well as teaching methodology I believe there will be classes on how to transcribe choreography, cultural awareness, instrumentation, marketing and lots more. There will be a certificate. At this stage it is unclear whether this will be assessed or if you get it for completing the five days. As details become available www.winterwarmup.com.au
they
will
be
posted
Photo by Jan Stobie & Tony Gould
on
I have already booked my accommodation. Maybe I’ll see you there. August / September 2010
MEDANZ News
P age 5
Life Time Membership by Moonjelly What is Lifetime Membership? The constitution of the Middle Eastern Dance Association states that Lifetime Membership is decided by committee and membership, based on a person meeting three specific criteria, plus one slightly more subjective, but difficult to meet criteria. Caveat is placed on how much of the membership can be lifetime members at any time. “Lifetime Membership will be awarded by nomination of committee and by agreement of MEDANZ membership at AGM. Criteria for lifetime membership includes fifteen years or longer membership to MEDANZ, served on committee for at least four years, served at least two years on Committee Executive, has contributed significantly in own time to MEDANZ growth and development. Lifetime membership will have the same entitlements as a full member but will not be required to pay yearly membership subs. No more than a maximum of 5% of the total membership can hold lifetime membership at time of nomination.”
How did this idea start? What is the intent? I raised the idea of an honorary lifetime membership while I was serving on committee. However it was not until a number of years later, after much vigorous debate and setting of rigorous criteria within the constitution itself, that we could actually award an honorary Lifetime Membership. The first recipient being Diane James. The intent of lifetime membership is that it should not be easy to get, and is recognised as an award for members of MEDANZ who are very deserving. There is nothing stating that only one membership can be approved per year. When I was on committee we thought that some years there will be no nominations, some years one nomination, some years two or more. The membership has stated through the constitution that no more than 5% of the membership can hold lifetime membership at any time. To put that in perspective, a membership of 300 can have 15 lifetime members. It has to be remembered that lifetime membership is that – till death – so consideration of nominations must be given carefully. Exceptions should not be considered so the membership category can be sustained over time. How do I nominate a person for Lifetime Membership? It’s easy. Any person can be suggested by you writing to the committee with a case for the person to receive lifetime membership. If you know if they have met criteria regarding time on committee and in Executive positions, fantastic, put that in with details of dates and what positions. Most importantly put a good case forward on how the person has met the criteria of how they have “c o n t r i b u t e d significantly in own time to MEDANZ growth and development.” What are the Committee Responsibilities? The committee MUST uphold the constitution and ensure that Lifetime Membership criteria are met. This can be done by going over historic records length of membership, time spent on committee and positions held (currently being collated by Beverley Dowling for ease of committee reference). I suggest the committee also asks themselves the following questions with regard to the final criteria: Has the person; Been a regular attendee/ teacher of MEDANZ festivals Hosted and created workshops with overseas teachers Developed and provided workshops throughout New Zealand. Held positions that are important to MEDANZ but not necessarily part of committee obligation, such as newsletter editor, website developer, librarian. Has the person assisted in the development of MEDANZ through research, collation of records, teacher records, keeping of records under their own self-motivation. Any other input towards development of MEDANZ? I am not suggesting everything be met but these questions are good examples and provide a sample structure of assessment to ascertain if a person has been/is contributing to the growth development of MEDANZ in their own time. Recommendation The following phrase in constitution needs to be clarified further as there appears to be ambiguity present regarding process: (Continued on page 7)
Page 6
MEDANZ News
August / September 2010
“… Lifetime Membership will be awarded by nomination of committee and by agreement of MEDANZ membership at AGM”
For membership to agree to a lifetime membership they need FULL information on nominations and how they have met Lifetime Membership criteria. Does agreement mean a formal vote? Or does it simply mean the committee tells them they have made a decision (which is against the constitution as it currently stands). For the committee to make a decision without full historic information and without giving members full information seems to fly in the face of the constitution. There are some fantastic people in MEDANZ but Lifetime Membership cannot be granted based on their being a nice person, or for being around in the early years. Constitution must be met. It also gives everyone a clear picture of what goals must be met – its not personal, rather it is about process. For this reason I am driven to write this article. I am collating as much historic information I can find so committee decisions become easier in the future, and membership can have all the information they need when considering nominating a person for Lifetime Membership. I would like to extend a huge acknowledgement and “Thank you” to Judith Varga and Tanya BamfordKing for keeping MEDANZ records safe for all of these years. Because Tanya in particular held many records that she forwarded to me we still have all the minutes and AGM’s since MEDANZ began. I hope to at least have all AGM minutes available soon, along with a reference tool for committee regarding length of membership, time on committee, time on executive committee, who held extra responsibilities such as newsletter/ librarian and any other relevant extraneous information that can be applied when nominations are received.
Oriental, Fusion and Cabaret Belly Dance Classes Did you know that A’mal is currently teaching Oriental and Cabaret belly dance classes in Christchurch? Thursdays, School of Contemporary Belly Dance (SCBD) L3 Oriental 6.30-7.30pm This class focuses on developing good base technique, understanding and interpreting ME rhythms and music, veil and zill work, and developing the inner goddess: transitions, performance and working towards your own/group choreographies. Mixed Level:7.30-8.30pm This is a revolving topic course, delving into some of the many luscious types of bellydance out there. Previous topics have included: Lebanese Belly Dance/Isis Wings Technique and Choreography and The Karsilama Rhythm Current Topic: Turkish Cabaret: Old School bellydance with spins, big hip articulation and heaps of energy (and zills ) Sundays, School of Contemporary Belly Dance-Starting end of May! Advanced Belly Dance and Technique. Time TBC (90 mins): 45 mins of A’mal drills & Technique, followed by some of ChCh’s finest bellydancers who will further work their class in a particular style/technique. A’mal also runs private lessons, workshops and performances to suit nationwide, as an Oriental and Fusion teacher and performer, and as part of the quirky Red Queens.
CONTACT DETAILS A’mal - www.amal.co.nz (Txt: 027 301 5897) August / September 2010
MEDANZ News
·
S C B D - www.belly.co.nz P age 7
When Dancing Equals Pain
by Linley Duncan
I have come to the conclusion that to continue dancing whilst suffering from arthritis you need to be stupid, stubborn, passionate, or maybe all three! I doubt that anybody who already had this condition would take up dancing—but to develop it once dancing has become a much loved (some would say essential) part of your life is very distressing. My story is a little complicated as I had suffered Fibromyalgia for about a decade before being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The pain of fibro masked the pain of arthritis and it sort of “snuck up” on me. I was in a pretty bad state by the time I finally went to the specialist (thankfully the same specialist as Fibro). At the 2009 Medanz festival I was having difficulty sleeping due to numbness and pain in my arms, had virtually lost the use of my left hand which was starting to resemble a claw, had tearfully removed my rings and was in a lot of pain in the hands, wrists, feet, neck, shoulders—almost everywhere really. In hindsight I should have sought treatment earlier—but had made the appointment for after festival and after our (Arabian Spice) June show. I knew (or thought I knew) that there would be no quick fix and that a new medication regime would take a long time to get sorted. Deep down I was scared that I would be told to give up dancing. I had started to notice that the pain of what I now know to be arthritis was different to fibromyalgia. With fibromyalgia one can often not pin point where the pain is—it feels deep inside and there is no outwardly sign of it— apart from one’s stance and scowl on the face! This is because there is no inflammation—no swelling with fibro. With arthritis there is often a red patch and obvious swelling and the area hurts when touched. There is often a “glowing” joint on the hand etc. In my case I had a golf-ball sized lump on the back of my neck and there were pinched nerves which caused the nerve damage to my arms and hands—particularly on the left side. There were days when I didn’t (or couldn’t) get out of bed—and if I did manage it, was not able to do anything constructive anyway. Until painkillers started working I couldn’t even make myself a cup of coffee. One day I complained about this and my lovely husband brought me a cup of coffee in bed with my painkillers —to my distress (but also amusement—you have to laugh at yourself when you get to this stage!) I found that I couldn’t lift the coffee to my mouth! After finally visiting the specialist (my husband had to drive me to Rotorua and help me down the street by this stage) in midwinter (cold makes it soooo much worse), I came home with a big bag of medication including the steroid Prednisone and the chemotherapy drug Methotrexate. Amazingly, I started to feel improvement within the hour of taking Prednisone. This improvement continued—it took two or three months, but I was delighted to find
Page 8
MEDANZ News
August / September 2010
that normal sensation returned to my hand. I could feel soft fabric without it feeling prickly! I could sleep comfortably at night—I could lift glasses and dishes in the kitchen without dropping them, hold a knife and fork, wipe down a bench, the list was endless—but best of all I COULD DANCE AGAIN!!! Without much pain, and bend where previously I had been stiff. I was still very tired— and slept 10—12 hours a day—but I was comfortable! I thought that Prednisone was a wonder drug (and still do) but then I stacked on the weight, bloated, suffered horrendous side effects, especially heartburn and nausea and my hair stopped growing and started to fall out! I have had to learn to be content to buy (or make) bigger sized costumes and compromise on the hair with a shorter style that takes the weight and tension off the hair. I have a beautiful purple silk scarf reserved for “in case” and will not hesitate to buy a fabulous wig or two if required. I have decided to “get over myself” and enjoy being alive, mobile, comfortable most of the time and pampered by my family at other times. I delight in only shaving underarms and legs once a week/fortnight and take natural remedies that promote hair growth., especially spirulina. Most of all, I avoid yoga or floorwork type moves— especially the upside down ones, or repetitive ab work that makes me feel sick. WE ALWAYS WANT MORE!!! I have reduced my pain levels to about 10% and am at least comfortable. I can flourish my hands and zill again, but I still sleep 10—12 hours a day and this is just the way it is. If I push myself to do more, I just end up with a bout of pain again—so I have learnt to just do what my body tells me I need to do—even if others think this is strange. Dancing can be very good therapy if you go at your own pace. If you do some moves over and over—then particular joints can be aggravated and become inflamed. As my Mother and Grandmother say : MODERATION IN ALL THINGS. For instance—at the 2010 Medanz festival I taught a veil workshop. These incorporated things that I teach in regular classes all the time, but 2 hours of the same moves over and over again resulted in a lot of shoulder and arm pain the next day—thank God for painkillers! The old adage about drill, drill, drill is not a good one for arthritis sufferers. SO HOW CAN MY STORY HELP YOU? If you find that you have pain, stiffness or numbness without having any obvious particular cause such as an injury, keep note of the details. What type of pain, when, if there is any swelling or redness and if it occurs after dancing etc are all details worth noting. See your doctor. If left untreated, conditions such as arthritis can result in bone damage that is not reversible, so don’t leave it as long as I did. If you find that your doctor does not take you seriously, consider going to somebody who does. Sometimes there is a family history of arthritis, or old injuries that are susceptible to it, and sometimes it seems to be quite random. But don’t think that it is acceptable to have to live with pain and as I told my husband “everybody has aches and pains as they age” to which he replied that “40’s is not old!”. Even children can get arthritis—I’m lucky that I didn’t develop it until I had done my adventure sports and had a family. All doctors seem to agree that we all need some sort of exercise in our lives. I have been told that it doesn’t matter what form this takes—so long as it is gentle and not overdone. It is the old adage about “use it or lose it”! My doctor said to do something that I like: so the choice of dancing was easy for me. The vibration of the music we use in dancing is very therapeutic, and the colours of the veils and costumes can be virtually colour therapy. The main rule I think is that IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE FUN. Stress and pressure make every illness worse and Fibromyalgia and Arthritis especially thrive on stress. It is not the physical movement of the dance itself—but the circumstances of the situation that we undertake it in. There is always a certain amount of pressure from ourselves and others when we have a performance looming. So long as the benefits and joy outweigh the negatives. You need to create the best environment for yourself—this applies to every aspect of your life—especially dancing. If you enjoy the dancing, but find your group setup is placing too much pressure on you—try talking to others to see if there are some changes that can be made to the group dynamics that will be better. I set up my group according to my ideals to provide the social aspects that I found lacking elsewhere. If you can’t find it—how about creating it for yourself? Others may be looking for the same thing as you and join you. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLEASE EVERYBODY ALL THE TIME. I have also learnt this the hard way. Especially when you are sick, you need to do what is best for you and your family—if others cannot understand this then you must leave them to their own opinions and move on. So-called friends are not true friends if they are always pressuring you. If I were to wait until my house was clean and tidy before I went dancing, then I would never go dancing. Dancing (for me) is an essential—so I give it priority in my life. If people call in at lunchtime and I’m still in my dressing gown after having been out dancing and then slept in—I will make no apologies—they may have to clear a seat before they sit down, but they will still be made welcome. If they cannot handle this, then this is their problem. I WISH YOU SUPPLENESS, JOY AND GIGGLES IN DANCE
August / September 2010
MEDANZ News
P age 9
CINCH DANCE UNLIMITED We have new stock: Men’s Dashiki shirts · art print tie at the side · wrap skirts ! BINDIS - $2 BEGINNER ZILL SETS - $15 ISIS WINGS WITH CARRY BAG - $120 BEADED FRINGING FOR BRA & BELT - $90 COIN SCARVES - $25 VELVET COINED BRA & BELT SETS - $70 BEADED BUTTERFLY TOPS - $25 STRETCH VELVET CHOLIS - $20 CHIFFON GOLD COIN BELTS - $25 CHIFFON GOLD COINED & BEADED PAYETTE BELT - $40 VELVET COIN BELT - $50 BEADED KURTI TOPS - $60 EMBROIDERED KURTI TOPS - $60 COLOURFUL GOLD SHOT SCARVES - $12 COLOURFUL CANES - $20 BEADED BEDLAH SETS - $160
Visit my webstore at www.cinchdanceunlimited.com Or come to the shop at 12b Homestead Drive · St Johns · Auckland If you cannot come in person you can reach me by e.mail: cinch@xtra.co.nz phone: (09) 5272-350 Mobile: 021-1158-548
World’s Longest Bra Chain Record Attempt— YOU CAN HELP! Dear Members Have you heard of the Guinness World Record for the Longest Bra Chain? Apparently Australia hold the record at present with a chain of 166,000 bras. achieve. Now let me tell you a little story.
This took them 3 years to
Robyn Martinovich sat struggling with how her Girl Guide Unit in Dargaville would achieve the goal that the Breast Cancer Foundation had asked of Girl Guiding New Zealand. “Raise awareness of Breast Cancer” they said. How could this be incorporated into the activities of her Guide Unit? Whilst she thought, she flipped through her children’s Guinness World Record book and came across the record for the Longest Bra Chain… Imagine if a small Unit from Dargaville managed to break this record by November 2010! She realized that this opportunity was also a fantastic way for the Guides to achieve their Community Action badge and would help them realize they had a voice that will be heard. After the November Record count, Robyn knew of a group called Breast Mate in Cambridge who could distribute the bra’s that were in good condition to ladies in Africa, which would also help her girls to participate in “World Poverty” Thinking Day. The End. Wait! That is not the end. The end is when we all help Robyn and her Unit win the Guinness World Record. How do you help? You organize local bra raising events. You give public performances and promote the event with a request for donated bras. You have tea parties where there is a prize for the most bras donated. You have a Bra Hafla. You promote a walk down your main street in bras.... If you have one or one hundred bras to donate, please send to: Robyn Martinovich, 550 Mahuta Road, R D 1, Dargaville Or you can deliver to anyone of the 79 Postie clothing stores throughout NZ. For more details and an up to date count of Bras collected (today’s count 14,519) you can visit “World Record Bra Chain” on facebook. I have managed to collect 27 bras but I know I can do much better. If you live nearby you can drop your bras into me and I will dispatch them for you. My address is: 12B Homestead Drive, St. Johns, Auckland. Happy Bra collecting. Suezy cinch@xtra.co.nz
Page 10
MEDANZ News
August / September 2010
Tribal Style, Tribal Fusion & Base Belly Dance Classes Have you ever wanted to try Tribal Fusion or American Tribal Style, but weren’t sure what classes were out and about? Well every week Pip E-Lysaah teaches classes in both styles in Wellington AND Christchurch. Every Saturday Pip E-Lysaah teaches Tribal Style Level 2, Level 3 and Mixed Level Tribal Fusion at the School of Contemporary Belly Dance in Christchurch. Tribal Style Level 2 covers the essential cues, formations and movements of American Tribal Style, Tribal Style Level 3 steps up the challenge by adding shimmies, levels and layers to the technique, advanced formations and props such as sword, veil and finger cymbols. Mixed Level Tribal Fusion takes students through an exciting 35 min belly drill section, which leaves you warmed and sweaty, and then into the combography portion of the class. Combo-graphy is choreography by combination, learn a combination and then add then together with a modern twist on musical stylings. Saturdays, Christchurch School of Contemporary Belly Dance, Level Christchurch Tribal Style Level 2: 1.30 – 2.30 pm Tribal Style Level 3: 2.45 – 3.45 pm Tribal Fusion: 4 -5 pm
1,
82a
Lichfield
Street,
Every Tuesday Pip E-Lysaah teaches classes in belly dance at the Tarrant Dance Studio on Cuba Street in Wellington. Building Blocks of Belly Dance are revolving six week courses, that cover technique for major parts of the body from ‘ The Belly’ , through ‘Arms and Turns’, ‘Shimmies’ and ‘Travelling’. Tribal Style is a class for those learning Tribal Style Belly Dance, focusing on advanced combinations and technique. She also teaches Tribal Fusion classes through private instruction. Tuesdays, Wellington Top Floor, 125 Cuba Street, Tarrant Dance Studio Building Blocks of Belly Dance: 7.30 – 8.30 pm Tribal Style: 8.30 – 9.30 pm
Pip E-Lysaah http://www.hedonistacal.com; http://www.belly.co.nz text: 021 542 013 twitter: pipbellydance
August / September 2010
MEDANZ News
P age 11
Go Tribal in Hamilton with Pip E-Lysaah 10/11 July 2010
by Shelley Dawson
It’s a funny thing how much I have learnt about people and our miscellaneous differences over the last three months and all because I wanted to introduce Hamilton to Tribal Style Bellydance, have Pip in my home where I could get to know her better and more importantly ask, ask, ask her everything !!! From an organizer’s point of view would I do it again ? Big resounding NO. From a workshop participant’s point of view ? Sign me up wouldn’t miss it for the world or wedding anniversary (which was on July 11th in case you were wondering). Hamilton put on the most fantastic weather even including the frosts and many thanks to Fabienne for showing me how to work the heat pump (the heating was the main reason I choose the venue) and keep things warm. Saturday was all about Tribal Style and Pip delivered a great overview; nice gentle warm up and then straight into some moves. I firmly believe we can’t focus on getting the basics right enough and personally was shocked at how badly my posture has slipped but Pip made it all fun and doable. Fast moves, formations and slow moves were all covered over seven hours and although by then our eyes were glazing over we were still smiling. After such an intense day and because I could, we brought the Hafla ie food forward and got to enjoy each other’s company and join in some dancing. Thanks to Pip here for showing some fantastic Tribal Fusion on her laptop and for her dancing (note to self: offer to dance before the Teacher next time). Then home to unwind and bed. Sunday was more about technique and a few new faces. First up, a layering Workshop involving loads of drills which I tried to write down but haven’t started practising yet and Pip showing us how hard work pays off by moving 5600 parts of her body at once. (Did I mention yet that I want to be just like her when I grow up ?) Certainly on Sunday she thought we were ready for her four and a half minute warm up but no one is ever prepared for that haha. Then after a quick lunch break on to Choreography Composition (which I had missed at Festival) and was a revelation. Thanks to Pip for being willing to share all the tips and tricks she has learnt in this area. It was great to split into groups giving it a go and though the non verbal communication tried my fortitude sorely my efforts to not talk did keep everyone else amused ! Once again thank you to Pip for all your hard work and polished teaching. Thanks to ladies coming all the way from Taupo, Warkworth and Whitianga as well as the local dancers because without you it couldn’t have happened. Thanks to Rebecca for the great supper at the Hafla, loved that cheesecake and Christine my right hand support and vacuumer. Thank you to MEDANZ for the funding for Pip’s travel expenses. Big thank you to my husband and sons who put up with my extra angst during the lead up and you go girl to anyone who’s organized anything !!!!! (N.B. I lied about not doing it again. I have Suher coming to teach Khaleegy and Cane in September and hope to have Pip back and anyone else wanting a “holiday” in Hamilton call me . . .)
Page 12
MEDANZ News
August / September 2010
Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival & Taupo Body Arts by Karen of The Desert Gypsys Part 1: Children, a busy schedule and why is it you get so many events on one weekend? I know why they say never work with children or animals - it comes under the “To Hard to get them to do what you want” basket When they finally do get up and dance with you – no one ever watches the big dancers really but the little kids We started our weekend with getting ready for a performance at the Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival – Buskers Square they included this year and my two little girls who have been learning to dance with their aunty wanted to dance with us – so in their own little costumes (very sweet) off we went – well when they did dance they really did steal the show just by doing a move the crowd went wild – ah well we could have been doing the bird dance and no one would have noticed – just as well really I’m sure I mucked up my choreographies we were performing but who would know apart from you the reader and me the writer (and yes as you think to yourself every other dancer who reads the articles in the newsletter now) Then it was pack kids in car and off to Taupo to dance at the Body Arts Festival Sue from Mirage was in a bit of a state as we got there about 10 or 15 minutes before they started there set as we were joining them on stage for Mirages Wahda We Noss choreography (*that went well the girls in Mirage are very helpful with calling cues…, thank goodness) once the dance was over it was our turn – the wonderful music man got this bit right but threw our music on straight away without giving the ladies of Mirage there time to get off stage…. Oh dear – so we do our first dance with two stage stealers and a gorgeous line of backing dancers – a troupe well prepared for performance rule one (well my rule one) if it can go wrong it will All fine and dandy – we then have to stand about for an hour or so being painted with fluro paint …… uh yeah we did in costume too….. for the black light show later the evening … if it can go wrong it will… the fire show got moved to before the black light show… uh ok … then the music man put the wrong music on for the black light show – so much for our performance piece – we managed to get it working about half way through, it was supposed to start belly dancers, black light angel wing dancers, triangles spun with chains on them used a lot like fire poi- into a fire dancer doing a burn off on the runway – this is wear they send up large flames off a fire staff into the air with a big whoosh finishing with getting the crowd on stage with a stilt walker for a dance party… we went home (well where we were staying) about now for some sleep and to get two little tired girls to bed On Sunday – the joys of dancing bare footed – eek I suggest that you invest in a pair of shoes – even Scottish country dance shows or learn how to grin and bear cooking the soles of your feet if ever performing on a cat walk runway stage in the sun… OUCH steel bits do really burn then we danced out in the field – much nicer on the feet - And I had my 5yr old princess decide she would do a sword dance with me – Mum gets her sword and I can use its case thing she declared – and lo and behold she did – there goes the day - every one will be talking about the fairy with amazing balance talent – never mind the gypsy in red! Part two: Body Paints Fire and Belly dance The body arts festival and competition we danced at was in its first year. And wow now I remember why I wanted to go to a makeup artists school – even though I had the nagging father – the only job you could ever get doing that is teach As we all know everything happens for a reason and I applied for the course and after being accepted it got cancelled because they say their weekend intensive teacher was no longer available …. Ah well I probably never would have started belly dancing if I had done the course When we got to the festival the artists were finishing there day’s works in creating gods and goddess of the elements – The models were in various state of undress from ladies g strings Y fronts for the most cover to one who had a bit of plastic or something similar stuck on where her knickers would have been ! Unless you were up close August / September 2010
MEDANZ News
P age 13
you couldn’t tell as they were covered form head to toe in paint including there hair being styled in interesting ways – some even had sculpture attached, creating the ultimate walking canvas Now while you’re wondering what has this all got to do with Middle Eastern dance? Its quite simple we talked to one of the sun goddess models and found out not only was she a fire dancer but belly dancer too! When it came to the fire god and goddess’s turn on the catwalk /stage – she walked out with a pair of fire fans closed and lit –you tube fire fan dancers and you will be able to see what I am talking about (there are even clips of belly dancers performing with fire fans as props) – she then opens out the fans using a gentle sideways swaying motion which becomes a definite under 8, while doing snake arms and holding what are reasonable heavy fans out at arms length From the 8’s the goddess then transitions into a glorious full body undulation She then slinks further forward with rippling movements. In an amazing combination of body art, fire and belly dance! While waiting back stage for our dance set one of our troupe members asked the goddess what it was like to fire dance or belly dance well naked? “Fire dancing naked is incredibly liberating I would love to dance like this all the time!” you don’t have to worry about setting a costume on fire and if you only come into contact with your skin for a moment fire isn’t too bad as most fire dancers burns are from there clothes catching fire! Well with a body like hers I think I would quite agree – now after two kids and being well a very plus size comparison I think I will keep my clothes on and look for the more fire resistant natural fibres for now – learning fire dance is fun and I have some more ideas for combining use of fire fans and belly dancing together in a routine – now to find the right fiery combination of fast slow and dramatic music to create the dance too!
CALLING ALL
PERFORMERS
Would you like to perform in the Festival 2011 show ? Planning for Festival in April 2011 is well under way, and it is now time to call for performers to be in next year’s Show on Saturday 16th April in Tauranga. Please send your interest in performing for the Show sub-committee to consider. Include details such as whether you are offering a solo, duet, or troupe item; what is the style of the dance, costumes and music; what props may be used; how long is the music? 3minutes, 5 mins, or if over 5minutes you may be required to offer a video of it. Please keep in mind that to be eligible to perform in the show, you must be a Full Member of MEDANZ, and will be attending at least one Festival workshop ( as a student). You will also need to have performed previously in public— not necessarily at Festival, but somewhere! Let us know if you performed in the show last year, or if you applied but were turned down. Let us know where you live, as locals get an extra ‘credit’ when it comes to the decision-making. Also let us know if you intend to teach the choreography or style of your performance as a workshop at Festival 2010; include anything you feel may be useful in the decision making. We are also wanting expressions of interest for performing at the Hafla on the Sunday night (this year the Hafla and Dance/Drum Jam will be combined. Apply now at performance@medanz.org.nz Or MEDANZ Suite 3051 PO Box 13-240 Johnsonville Wellington 6440
Page 14
MEDANZ News
August / September 2010
WHAT’S ON? NEW ZEALAND
Marakesh Movers presents:
A folky day of dance with Suher teaching Khaleegy and Cane Sunday 19th September 2010 in Hamilton 9am - 4pm with shared lunch $35.00 per Workshop
For more details contact Shelley: daw8son@xtra.co.nz 07 8493328 a/h or 027 717 2699
Creative Combinations Workshop Sunday 26 September 10am—12pm Massey University Recreation Centre Gym SH 17 Albany (opposite Westfield Albany) Early Bird Price $35:00 (before 15 Sept) $40:00 thereafter Candice will take you through the various techniques of developing your individual movements into creative and powerful combinations that will add versatility to your dancing. There will also be a mini market (if you would like to sell, contact Candice) For more details contact Candice 021 170 4183 09 483 3553 phoenix-candice@gmail.com
www.phoenixbellydance.co.nz
WHAT’S ON? INTERNATIONAL NOTE YOUR DIARIES NOW!! WINTER WARM UP 2011 TEACHER: Dr Mo Geddawi 9—12 July—Dance Workshops 13—17 July—Teaching Bellydance 9am—9pm
For more details visit www.winterwarmup.com.au August / September 2010
MEDANZ News
P age 15
YES - YOU CAN ADVERTISE IN THE NEWSLETTER ! In addition to keeping a list of available services which MEDANZ will print from time to time, MEDANZ accepts paid advertisements for the newsletter at very reasonable rates: A4 : $20 / issue - $80 per year A5 (landscape): $10 / issue - $40 per year Business Card Size: $5 / issue - $20 per year This is for black and white only. Text and/or graphics should be emailed or sent on disc at least ten (10) days before issue deadline. Acceptable formats are (in preferred order): pub, tif, jpeg, doc, pdf. Resolution must be no more than 200 dpi. The Committee reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse to accept any advertisement for publication.
WHAT’S ON POLICY 1.
All MED related events are entitled to an entry in the WHAT’S ON CALENDAR
2.
Maximum entry is half a page.
3.
Brochures, registrations forms, etc may be included in the newsletter if sufficient copies are supplied in a timely manner. Limit of one full A4 sheet per person/event in any one newsletter. Membership numbers available on request.
4.
Information received after the cut off date may not be included.
5.
We attempt to have the newsletter out in the first week of the month but this is not always possible.
Contributions, including original articles, photos, reviews and letters are VERY welcome Email to: newsletter@medanz.org.nz All contributions will be deemed to be authorised to be reprinted on the website. Material does not necessarily represent the views of MEDANZ members, not those of the MEDANZ committee.
The cut off date for the October / November newsletter is: 20 September 2010 Page 16
MEDANZ News
August / September 2010