tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47666268665075949842024-03-13T13:29:01.434-04:00Dancing Through LifeFirst THR in 2010... and a second one in 2014. Now I have matching metal hips!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-24559721316930692142015-12-29T18:07:00.001-05:002015-12-29T18:07:52.949-05:00it only takes a moment<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm spending the holidays sitting on my butt when I'm not using crutches to get around the house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently I started jumping in my riding lessons which made me want to "step up" (pun intended!) my exercise routine. I started using a plastic garden bench about 15" high for stepping up and down to strengthen both legs. That's been going really well and I was enjoying how much stronger my legs felt, when this interminable rain began here this winter in Virginia. I didn't want to bring the grimy bench inside so instead tried using my husband's space heater, which was about the same height. That was a mistake, since it's actually on wheels. While exercising a few days ago, I was on my last step-up, and wasn't paying enough attention. I placed my foot too close to the edge, and the space heater tipped over. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I fell, my knee got jammed and went sideways, and now I'm on crutches with what I hope is just a sprained knee. Of course it happened JUST during the holiday break when I was getting ready to film a short "down shimmy" video tip, as well as start on the Tribal Fan Veils video tutorial. The studio was set with lights and ready to go the next day. I'm so disappointed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Accidents happen so quickly! But to look on the bright side, at least I already had a set of crutches from my previous accident. And both my hips are doing great! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's to a better holiday and new year for you and me. In fact I'm busting into this <b>tasty little gift set</b> right now. Cheers! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYHw78EDk8w/VoMPdlMaNoI/AAAAAAAAPlY/LoAQN4WNtWo/s1600/IMG_20151229_175129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="small boxed set of wine" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYHw78EDk8w/VoMPdlMaNoI/AAAAAAAAPlY/LoAQN4WNtWo/s320/IMG_20151229_175129.JPG" title="souvenir from my daughter" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Yours in dance, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i><a href="http://www.kawakib.com/" style="color: #888888; line-height: 14.784px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a><span style="line-height: 14.784px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-50720667302198160632015-09-11T13:53:00.000-04:002015-09-11T13:53:23.230-04:00lotsa dancing going on<h2>
Dancing gives you wings!</h2>
Dancing, teaching, farm work, and horseriding have been my workouts lately, they're all strenuous but fun, and they're helping me get strong again.<br />
Of course, immediately AFTER these exertions I'm pretty tired, and the next day my muscles might be sore, but the payoff of feeling stronger is worth it.<br />
<br />
I'm still working on my Oriental solos, and dancing a lot with my group. Last month just after my annual camping trip (Pennsic) my dancers and I performed in Richmond, Virginia at <u>Tribal Cafe</u> where I was able to do my Layali pop solo again. Here's a short clip, courtesy of Siyala:<br />
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I love this number, it's not only strenuous but repeats a lot so it's really a good workout! Tribal Cafe features a mini-class too, so before performing I was able to share some of these combinations and travel steps with the dancers in the audience. It was a really great time and produced very well by the Madame Onca and the Bandit Queens. </div>
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A couple of weeks later we were in Richmond again for a monthly Hafla called Tummy Tuesday, where I performed my "Al Saiidi" Cane Dance - for the first time since 2007. The last time I performed it my right hip was so bad I could barely use it, which is obvious in the YouTube video. That's why it thrills me so much to be able to perform it again. And talk about a workout! That folkloric stuff will really get your heart pumping. </div>
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This event is h<span style="font-family: inherit;">eavily attended by the greater RVA bellydance community, not just new but old-school dancers, many of whom I've known for my entire career. Seeing them again and being abl</span>e to dance for them was such a blessing, I was on Cloud Nine! </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's to more of the same as we go into fall: dancing, friends, and community. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Yours in dance, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.kawakib.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; line-height: 14.784px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;">--- end of post ---</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 14.784px;">----------------------</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA, USA38.3031837 -77.46053990000001538.253337699999996 -77.541220900000013 38.3530297 -77.379858900000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-33571522395242990482015-07-20T10:24:00.000-04:002015-07-20T10:25:48.999-04:00the "Fifi" is back!<h2>
The return of those moves... </h2>
Our "all veil dance" show this past weekend went pretty well, with loads of merchandise at the bellydance Flea Market and a good turnout from local folks and far-away friends!<br />
<b>This show marked my return to "real dancing" -</b> not just class material or my Layali pop number; but a real Sharki solo. Not that I have this number completely down yet - it was a lot of improv for sure.<br />
But the reason I'm excited about it is because this dance DOES include the two moves I haven't been able to do for years: the <b>Side-Step with Shimmy</b>, and of course, the very delicious "<b>Fifi move</b>"! The former does need more refining as my outer leg muscles are still weak; but I felt it was okay enough to do in performance.<br />
These two moves were ones I couldn't "fake" when first my right then my left hip went out of order; they're too intense and intricate. There were lots of moves I could "sort of" do while my hips were deteriorating, but not these two. So I'm pretty excited about it!<br />
I have to laugh about this one, the "Side-Step with Shimmy" because I think I overdid it, just because I could! It still looks a little awkward to me. I'm working on it!<br />
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And I'm so happy to have <u>this</u> one back, the lovely and delicious "Fifi move".<br />
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<br />
Please share with anyone who's wondering about dancing after hip surgery!<br />
<a href="http://www.kawakib.com/" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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----------------------Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-15952412966235225362015-07-09T14:22:00.000-04:002015-07-09T14:22:10.404-04:00into the HIP SWING of things! So now I'm over a year with the newest hip! It's doing well - though this leg is a bit shorter now; it's noticable to me but doesn't seem to cause any problems so far.<br />
After the rehab stage, and getting my feet wet in public performances with my group, I've continued getting back into shape on my own by teaching dance classes, and doing odd jobs (mostly outside) in the realm of "farm maintenance" for a nearby horse riding facility. This is really my favorite work, though I can't do more than a couple of hours at a time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36IFsu8HTyU/VZ63kqxM3oI/AAAAAAAAORE/a_uqGbzu8ag/s1600/Anthea-April-3rdPlace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="horse and rider" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36IFsu8HTyU/VZ63kqxM3oI/AAAAAAAAORE/a_uqGbzu8ag/s320/Anthea-April-3rdPlace.jpg" title="Anthea and April" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">horse shows are fun too! </td></tr>
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Stamina disappears when your hip hurts too much to do anything, and I had years of limping and suffering. So now those years of muscle atrophy are being remedied with exercising, dancing, and riding lessons. Mounting continues to be the hardest thing to do with the new hip so I'm motivated to get my leg strong enough to mount with ease. What's my plan? Well, I have a dance for that! Inshallah, we'll be working on that number soon in class.<br />
Of course, my PRISM Dancers' scheduled shows give me an extra reason to rehearse and keep my skills improving. The side-step with shimmy continues to be a challenge so of course I included it in a couple of new numbers for good measure!<br />
Next week <b>I'm returning to the downtown Fredericksburg stage</b> with a new solo! How freaking exciting is that! It's almost too exciting at this point - but somehow I'll get through it and be happy while I'm doing it too.<br />
This particular show, <i><b>"Reflections On The Veil"</b></i> is going to be outstanding - all veil numbers - even just entering with veil a la Egyptian style counts! Definitely a show to remember; plus a flea market to start the evening, so that's extra fun. We are SO looking forward to it! I hope to see many local F'burgians in the crowd.<br />
Cheers!<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><a href="http://www.kawakib.com/" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><br style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">- End of Post -</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-61295170843630191472015-04-09T10:31:00.000-04:002015-04-09T10:31:22.728-04:00I critique myself!I had SUCH an exciting time dancing in Ravia's show this past Saturday; my solo went well and so did the two group numbers I did with my PRISM Dancers. One of my dancers, Siyala, even videotaped my solo. I wasn't really sure how it would go, so I'm really thankful she did this for me. But of course I HAVE to critique it because that's what I do! I'm a good dance and performance coach - I see pretty near everything about a dancer's movements. So let me take some of my own medicine then, shall we?<br />
<br />
In the video I'm facing away half the time because of the audience layout - but then that gives me a good view of what's happening from the back, so win-win!<br />
<br />
Overall I think it's good, with a lot of nice touches here and there: my use of momentum, graceful arms, warm expression, audience rapport; plus a fairly good use of the space (an awkward long rectangle with people unevenly arranged on three sides). As I watch my performance I can I see how very excited and happy I am (I know I was enjoying it VERY much!).<br />
On the other hand, I also see that quite often I'm not finishing moves; the hip work as well as some of the foot work is unevenly articulated or executed (it appears I'm still unconsiously "saving" my left hip a little); I'm rushing the movement timing a little (similar to not finishing, but different); and the timing of my hip shimmies is not quite even. And of course all those things bother me! LOL - This is what it's like to have a "coach's eye"!!<br />
<br />
But okay, for my first solo back, it'll do. My leg's pretty strong now but I know I do tend to be awkward on that side sometimes, and as I saw in the video, I'm still not using both sides exactly the same. Did I mention this leg is now shorter than the other? Oh well - that's a small tradeoff considering that I can walk and dance again!!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><a href="http://www.kawakib.com/" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><br style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">- End of Post -</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14.7839994430542px;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Virginia, USA37.4315734 -78.65689420000001131.0306784 -88.9840427 43.832468399999996 -68.329745700000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-18698633037268683002015-03-30T11:17:00.000-04:002015-03-30T11:17:58.905-04:00back to dancing!<h2>
Next up: more dancing!</h2>
This Saturday is the show I've been looking forward to for some time, Ravia's "Afternoon with Friends" in Richmond. I'll be dancing in a short set with my PRISM Dancers, and FINALLY, a solo! After the weather cancellation last month I've had extra time to practice, so I do feel more confident.<br />
We're planning a beautiful group veil dance, then finishing with Tribal Odyssey - I keep changing my mind on the music for that but I'm sure I'll settle down by class time this week! My dancers are so good at following the music and the beat it really isn't a big deal to switch around for TOBD, especially if we're playing finger cymbals (which we will be), it really hooks them right into the music.<br />
<h4>
Recent Appearances</h4>
This past week we've danced in demos (short educational demonstrations), first a couple of school shows, then the unique day-long event of networking and workshops that started 33 years ago in Fredericksburg, the Women's Forum.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TxdxUlg0H0/VRljRpmM8MI/AAAAAAAANmE/RlB_8dBkBco/s1600/fredericksburg-dancers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="dancers in costume" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--TxdxUlg0H0/VRljRpmM8MI/AAAAAAAANmE/RlB_8dBkBco/s1600/fredericksburg-dancers.jpg" height="289" title="dancers at local events" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairuza, Anthea, Galiyah; inset: with Siyala </td></tr>
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It's a busy Spring of dancing, and I love it! </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.kawakib.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;" /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">- End of Post -</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-85102757281275349882015-02-21T20:34:00.000-05:002015-02-21T20:58:36.908-05:00Cabin Fever BellydanceAh, winter in Virginia.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Richmond event I was invited to dance in today was cancelled due to weather. It would've been my first "real" solo with my new hip! For the last couple of weeks </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been working on my 3-minute Arabic pop number; and just the day before yesterday I was thrilled to be doing my dress rehearsal, and posting about it on </span><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zQmqj9MxF3/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">instagram</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">n these two weeks I'd gone from barely wobbling my way through the first 90 seconds, to being able to run through the whole number several times. That's real progress! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But it's a mess outside - no one should be out driving in a "wintry mix" of snow, sleet, and freezing rain! So I kept myself busy making another quick technique tip, this one on <b>Better Hands and Arms in Bellydance</b>, to add to my Playlist of "Best Bellydance Tips". </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3LTOwKhSHM/VOk2qQUp29I/AAAAAAAAMyA/XfGyBlAulD8/s1600/Anthea-diagonal-arms.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="screenshot of video" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j3LTOwKhSHM/VOk2qQUp29I/AAAAAAAAMyA/XfGyBlAulD8/s1600/Anthea-diagonal-arms.png" height="190" title="Anthea in diagonal arm pose" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diagonal Arms</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really love this particular topic too, because there's SO MUCH going on in the shoulders and arms - the emotion of the dancer flows through them; they provide the frame to ALL the body moves; they help direct the audience's attention; and beautiful hands provide the finishing touch! </span><br />
So because I was stuck in the house today, here's my latest endeavor in the world of bellydance:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /><a href="http://www.kawakib.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;" /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">- End of Post -</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-60321316690120349432015-02-05T10:07:00.003-05:002015-02-05T10:07:53.402-05:00Anthea's hips are working again<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Dancing again makes me so HAPPY!</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">One of my students told me in class last night that when I was dancing at our Hafla this past Sunday, her husband said "<i>I see Anthea's hips are working again.</i>" That made me laugh!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Doing that short one-song improv was a mental challenge, as I am not so sure of my body as I used to be, but once I started, I really enjoyed it. Although I know it wasn't the "artistic best" I'm used to doing, it still was fine. And like I kept telling everyone, "it's just a party!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Getting this <b>first post-op performance</b> done kind of reminds me of getting on a horse again after you've been tossed off. You gather yourself together, brace yourself, take a deep breath, and just do it. Speaking of horses, one of my riding friends attended the Hafla with her husband, and took this photo of me: </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRQrWETgfbk/VNN_1I7sz2I/AAAAAAAAMkQ/xOL8i8gpUXE/s1600/Anthea-Hafla-feb-2015-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Anthea Kawakib in orange assiut" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRQrWETgfbk/VNN_1I7sz2I/AAAAAAAAMkQ/xOL8i8gpUXE/s1600/Anthea-Hafla-feb-2015-3.jpg" height="320" title="Anthea in orange assiut dress" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthea does an improv solo at the Hafla</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">NEXT: </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">More dancing in store!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I'm <b>super excited</b> to be dancing at a show in Richmond (VA) in a couple of weeks! A very sweet lady, Rose Ravia, is hosting an afternoon restaurant show and invited me to dance, as well as my PRISM Dancers; and our own Pixie will be doing her Double Sword dance too. The event is "An Afternoon with Friends", 1 - 5pm at the new Pho House of Noodles on Broad Street. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">For this show I decided to tackle my old pop number, Layali by Angham. Getting through it in my studio the other day was challenging, but I did it; my left hip gets tired, and the muscles are lazy, but articulating these easy moves will be good exercise for my left side.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm SO happy Ravia invited me! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Not only do I get to dance, but my dancers will be with me too. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm absolutely <b><i>intoxicated with anticipation</i></b>!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kawakib.com/" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">- End of Post -</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-65737367372601385502015-01-22T15:36:00.001-05:002015-01-22T15:36:21.255-05:00Out of the darkness into the Light<h2>
Emerging from the long dark...</h2>
<b>It's been a wearisome winter, cold and wet; making my bones ache.</b> I've been dancing in little bits now and then in my studio (and teaching my regular classes) trying to recover and refine the old skills.<br />
It's funny, but after not being able to move one hip very much for so long you'd think all the belly dance moves would be gone - but they're not! They're a little weak and sloppy on that particular side, but I think the fact that I continued teaching even though I was pretty much disabled kept the muscle memory intact. I feel like I'm bringing it back now. Even though I don't have a lot of stamina, it's SO much fun to dance!<br />
<br />
Now it's mid-January and I'm really looking forward to our first event of 2015, the <b>"Bring the Light" Hafla</b>, celebrating the return of lighter days. I think it will be a small party, in a small restaurant, with only a few performances, but I know we'll make it fun!<br />
<br />
It's such a small space that we've had to adjust ourselves to fit; I wanted to do our Candle Dance especially; and Tribal Sword because we love it. It may be a tight squeeze! And there's several solos planned as well, which I can't wait to see.<br />
<br />
While I was teaching a private lesson today I realized the music we were using was by John Bilezikjian, who passed away this week. It's such a lovely song; his music was indeed heavenly. The oud is such a soulful instrument! So now I'm thinking maybe I'll do this veil dance myself at our Hafla, in his memory. It's a lovely, short chifti-telli called Aphrodite's Mysteries, from Dolphina's Goddess Workout music; or as we call it for short, "Aphro Myst"! Anyway, I'm looking forward to this, our first event of the year, and the first solo for me with my newest hip!<br />
<br />
As we're reminded so often, our time here is short; we have to make of it what we can. Use your life for good things - don't waste your energy on the bad stuff. Move forward, be happy, and spread good cheer!<br />
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/+AntheaKawakibPoole/posts">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-56368935650070909012014-11-14T14:05:00.000-05:002014-11-14T14:05:36.579-05:00new joint, new life!I totally thought I had published a post in October after I started bellydancing again! It's been buzzing around here for the last month since then - honestly, it must be the renewed energy through my chakras!<br />
<br />
Since I started - very gingerly - dancing in class again last month, my stability, strength, balance, and skills have improved steadily. I'm still doing my rehab exercises, mostly on "off days"; that is, days when I don't teach class, ride, or work at the barn. In late September I resumed riding; and soon after that resumed morning chores at the horse farm once a week.<br />
My left leg (the rehab side) gets tired quickly, especially the outside thigh muscles; so side steps continue to be the hardest exercise to do. When my leg gets tired I start limping a little bit but I know it will continue to improve. When I teach, it's very interesting to experience what feels like a "beginner leg" on that side.<br />
<h3>
My biggest excitement: dancing at the hafla!</h3>
The PRISM Dancers had our Fall Hafla at the beginning of the month, collecting food donations for the local Food Bank; and I absolutely danced my ass off during open dancing! Yes, it was amazing, fun, and so thrilling to be dancing again!<br />
We always enjoy Kabab City restaurant - the staff, food, hookah, and spacious dance floor; not to mention to colorful and beautiful atmosphere.<br />
<h4>
My students and I danced and enjoyed guest performers. </h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were all happy to meet Lulu and Zyzy, a couple of Veda Sereem's students from Maryland; as well as Nadira from VA Beach, host of the rejuvenated <a href="http://www.eastcoastbellydance.com/" target="_blank">East Coast Classic</a> weekend bellydance festival. It was great to get out and dance, and enjoy time with my wonderful students and friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm so happy to be able to dance again! </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3BWY4YIfmE/VGZOIj7t1ZI/AAAAAAAALEU/YbL7H8AEsY8/s1600/Zyzy-Anthea-Lulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="dancers in costume at hafla" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3BWY4YIfmE/VGZOIj7t1ZI/AAAAAAAALEU/YbL7H8AEsY8/s1600/Zyzy-Anthea-Lulu.jpg" height="240" title="dancers zyzy anthea lulu" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good to meet dancers Zyzy and Lulu!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czkaCl1JmU0/VGZOr50ZdsI/AAAAAAAALEc/GKA_Ka9vOl8/s1600/Nadira-Anthea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="dancers in the hookah lounge" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czkaCl1JmU0/VGZOr50ZdsI/AAAAAAAALEc/GKA_Ka9vOl8/s1600/Nadira-Anthea.jpg" height="240" title="hafla dancers" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nadira and I enjoying hookah and libations</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/+AntheaKawakibPoole/posts" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">- End of Post -</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"><span style="line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-73957243669069260192014-09-30T19:16:00.000-04:002014-09-30T19:16:52.354-04:00an awesome week ends an awesome month!<span style="font-family: inherit;">What an amazing week just passed! I had my last physical therapy session yesterday because I've met my goal: being able to dance again. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CH5QtllRgQw/VCq5IkPaw0I/AAAAAAAAKSs/RRBSUohGgbw/s1600/IMG_20140929_154052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="appointment card " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CH5QtllRgQw/VCq5IkPaw0I/AAAAAAAAKSs/RRBSUohGgbw/s1600/IMG_20140929_154052.jpg" height="200" title="physical therapy apppointments" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">cancel Thursday, I'm good!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week at my doctor's appointment he okayed dancing - I hadn't expected THAT until October, so I was pleasantly surprised. He just said no fast hip twists, and to be careful with cross-steps. So I danced a little in both Wednesday and Thursday classes, wobbly like a beginner; but every time it's a little better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On Friday I danced even more at my rehearsal club... then the next day I was wondering why my abdominal muscles were sore - it really made me laugh. Bellydance IS good exercise! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was an exciting week to end a wonderful month of progress. My body is getting back to normal a little at a time. I'm walking well; and I can even sleep on my stomach - something I couldn't do for years! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And now, I have some fun plans coming up! In October I'm going to a camping event in North Carolina: an SCA historical reenactment called <b>War of the Wings</b>; several <a href="http://www.tobellydance.com/" target="_blank">Tribal Odyssey</a> dancers will be there and <i><b>I'll be able to dance too!</b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then next month I'm hosting a hafla with my dance group, and I'm even dreaming of <u>solo dancing</u> - how amazing would THAT be! Every single day I thank God I was able to get my hip replaced - to go <b>from disabled to dancing is like a miracle</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm REALLY looking forward to dancing in classes this week! I've also been thinking of doing another short video for my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXjT4Ka2miRZRlnyZK0CZYoGPhJxO2h5v" target="_blank">Best Belly Dance Tips playlist</a>, on "hand and arm movements", while I wait for my hips to get back in shape. I'm so happy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/+AntheaKawakibPoole/posts" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; line-height: 16.7999992370605px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">- End of Post -</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;">~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-71096242572060107632014-08-30T23:34:00.003-04:002014-08-30T23:34:46.345-04:00the rhythm of life goes on<h2>
So tonight is my last night sleeping with the leg adductor pillow... </h2>
After wearing it for 3 months I almost can't imagine <b>not</b> using it at night!<br />
I've been swimming a little at a neighbor's pool on the days I don't go to Physical Therapy, and it really seems to make a difference. My recovery progress is going well, stairs are much easier; and I rarely use a cane. I AM getting really impatient to start dancing again but I'll just have to wait a bit longer. I'm happy to take things slowly so healing goes well. I'm not stupid!<br />
Today I even took a much needed day off from exercising - I was just too sore and tired! I worked on preparing for an upcoming appearance of my <u>PRISM Dancers</u> at a downtown arts event in a couple of weeks. This will be my first "performance" since surgery; though I won't be dancing, I'll be drumming and playing cymbals for the others. Besides a couple of dance numbers to live drumming we'll be jamming some Middle Eastern percussion numbers; so we're bringing out a couple of rhythms we haven't played in a while: a 10/8 and a 6/8. I even got my old iMac fired up and whipped out a couple of rhythm tracks for my students to use for percussion practice. It's been too long since I played around with my music.<br />
<h4>
In the midst of life... </h4>
On a sad note, both horses in my "Let Me Dance" music video have now passed: good old Rising Phoenix was laid to rest this week. What a funny guy he was, very cat-like in his personality, with a cute white heart on the end of his muzzle. I'll miss him very much, he was so gentle; he taught me a lot when I was just beginning to ride. After my first hip replacement, Phoenix was the one I felt safe getting on. Not very long after that he was retired from the teaching arena; and now he's joined the lovely black Velvet, laid to rest out in the meadow at White Buffalo Farm. Rest in peace, Phoenie!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vNHga5LclY/VAKVECzoyiI/AAAAAAAAJlM/2dYVWN-zMEU/s1600/Phoenix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="horse in a stall " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vNHga5LclY/VAKVECzoyiI/AAAAAAAAJlM/2dYVWN-zMEU/s1600/Phoenix.jpg" title="Anthea and Phoenix" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">funny Phoenix at White Buffalo</td></tr>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/+AntheaKawakibPoole/posts" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">- End of Post -</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">~~~~~~~~~~~</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA, USA38.3031837 -77.46053990000001538.253337699999996 -77.541220900000013 38.3530297 -77.379858900000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-40030512016934405192014-08-23T09:43:00.000-04:002014-08-23T10:02:13.957-04:00swinging your hips is not just for dancing!<h2>
What does walking really feel like?</h2>
I'm excited! When I got home after physical therapy yesterday I tried the "new walk".<br />
One of my therapists had previously told me that I wasn't "swinging my hips" when I walked, that instead I was limping; that is, carrying my weight in my upper torso and shifting it from side to side, instead of my hips.<br />
When he told me that, I did try shifting my weight from side to side in my hips, but my leg didn't feel strong enough to carry my full weight, as each leg has to do when you walk.<br />
The feedback I get from this particular therapist is spot on and helps me be aware of how my body is moving. He showed me again that I was dropping my hip while walking instead of stabilizing all the muscles around the hip. My leg was too tired at his office to really work well, but when I got home I tried it again. <br />
And finally I did it - the muscles in my leg DID feel strong enough to support my weight while walking - though I can only do it for a short time before getting tired and sore.<br />
<b>It's been such a long time since I could walk that way!</b> It feels pretty amazing, let me tell you. It actually feels "right"!<br />
<h3>
Body-Mind Consciousness</h3>
When a hip joint begins to deteriorate the muscles get sore from trying to stabilize the joint; and the body starts compensating to avoid that pain, almost without conscious thought. The body has a mind of its own, and it doesn't like sharp pains - it'll do whatever it has to in order to avoid them! And that's how limping starts. In fact, "avoiding pain" starts to filter every movement the body makes so that before long, your entire movement vocabulary changes.<br />
It's kind of interesting to watch my performance and how-to videos just prior to surgery; when you know my hip is not working right you can see me compensating for it; but I have to say, I think I do a pretty good job of compensating!<br />
<h4>
Hello Again Hips! </h4>
So now I'm becoming aware of what it means, and feels like, to move "normally" again. Yes, I'm trying to "swing my hips" now when I walk, though when I get tired, I start to limp - then the cane comes out. That will only be for a short time though. <br />
Every day is a learning experience as I get acquainted with my hip muscles again! It's pretty cool, because I enjoy learning, and I can't wait to dance again - in a couple of months.... I know it will feel so different! <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-AuhhqTzQg/U1pjvIBBA3I/AAAAAAAAF6I/TQr2MLFEUsM/s1600/tribal-belts-dancing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="hips motion gif" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-AuhhqTzQg/U1pjvIBBA3I/AAAAAAAAF6I/TQr2MLFEUsM/s1600/tribal-belts-dancing.gif" height="239" title="bellydancing hips in motion" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bellydance students swinging their hips</td></tr>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/+AntheaKawakibPoole/posts" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-46763333828534587162014-08-11T10:12:00.000-04:002014-08-11T10:18:01.599-04:00Post-op at Pennsic!"No sh*t, there I was..." at Pennsic! <br />
2 months post-op I was able to go camp and teach at this yearly event after all, thanks to the help of many amazing people. <br />
<br />
Last Saturday (a week ago) we had the <b><i>Sequins and Shimmies</i> fundraiser show</b> here in Fredericksburg (more on that later); then Sunday I half rested, half supervised the packing of the truck. This year I took LESS stuff than ever, something I'm really happy about! Even so, it was a lot of work for my hubby to get my camping gear out of storage and into the truck by himself. He's so strong! <br />
<br />
I had warned my Orluk Oasis campmates that if I did actually come I'd need a LOT of help, and they said "no problem" - so on Monday, with the truck all loaded up, I took a chance and started off! <br />
<br />
The long trip wasn't bad, that's something I'd been concerned about, having to sit in the truck for so long; but it was fine. When I finally got down to camp Baris, Carla, and Kumo unloaded my stuff, set up my new tent, new cot, air mattress, and everything else. <br />
I had managed to find a cot that was high enough (with the air mattress) so I didn't break my bending precautions; and the tent is tall enough to stand and walk around in. <br />
I also had a new hard-seat chair to use so my hips didn't slide together as they would have in those folding cloth camp chairs. <br />
<br />
Of course I did not go out of camp very much! I did manage to walk up to the <b>Middle Eastern Tent</b> for my <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118251110433859098924/+Tobellydance/posts/BXXHadMAVCj" target="_blank"><b>Tribal Odyssey<i></i></b> class on Wednesday</a>; where <b>Siyala</b> helped me teach several combinations with finger cymbals. My good dance friend and fellow teacher <b>Rajni of Orluk</b> came as well, and helped lead the students. It was also a treat to have the amazing <b>Neefa of Khafif</b> (and also an Orlukian sister) in class too. <br />
<br />
So, after standing up for the hour (no chairs in the tent), I walked back to camp, had lunch and rested for a while. But not for long, because it was the day of the Middle Eastern and World Dance Expo! And with my student Siyala set to perform her FIRST EVER SOLO I had to be there - plus she had no music with her, and I wanted to help drum. She totally rocked her number, to live drumming. I'm so proud of her! Here she is dancing while Malik, Mark Cheater, and I drum.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bILvVaJ3X4Y/U-i49Ekhf_I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/elZ_DiO6TQQ/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="drumming and dancing onstage" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bILvVaJ3X4Y/U-i49Ekhf_I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/elZ_DiO6TQQ/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" title="Orluk drummers and dancer at the middle eastern dance expo" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siyala dancing at Pennsic </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The lovely Rajni also performed one of my favorite pieces, the Funky Dance Combos to Arabic rhythms, playing finger cymbals to our live drumming too! Here is Rajni dancing and playing cymbals while Siyala, Mark Cheater and I back her with Arabic rhythms.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QuSjjVZiEAA/U-i5ALTg_3I/AAAAAAAAI8Q/JjfaatT1dCI/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="middle eastern dance expo at pennsic" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QuSjjVZiEAA/U-i5ALTg_3I/AAAAAAAAI8Q/JjfaatT1dCI/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" height="265" title="folkloric dancing to live drumming" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rajni dancing at the Expo </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was backstage during sister Orlukian <b>Kaheena</b>'s Tunisian Duet with Bambi, but here's a photo of this audience favorite:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhIu1eCuwF0/U-jCZZVnXHI/AAAAAAAAI8o/Jkr87R_9xMA/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="folkloric dancers" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhIu1eCuwF0/U-jCZZVnXHI/AAAAAAAAI8o/Jkr87R_9xMA/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" height="249" title="dancing in haik and melia, Oulid Nail costuming " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaheena and Bambi, Tunisian Duet at the Expo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What fun! My Orluk sister <b>Shakti</b> and I were lucky enough to catch bus rides for the Expo trip, with a stop at Cafe Merhaba for refreshment afterwards. So it was an amazing and wonderful day! <br />
<br />
The rest of the week was just resting, visiting, noshing, and enjoying camp life with my crazy, wonderful buddies. On Saturday I packed my gear again, several of our strong Orluk men pitched in to pack my truck, and I came home much happier and healthier than when I arrived. <br />
<br />
Although I wasn't able to keep up with my physical therapy exercise routine while camping (it was tiring enough just getting around), I did get stronger from all the exertion. When I first got to camp I was still using a crutch all the time, but mid-week I began taking a few steps without it; and by the end of the week I could walk without assistance for about 20 yards or so; just not very gracefully! Actually, I lurched around kind of like Frankenstein, but whatever! <br />
<br />
Words can't even describe how grateful I am to everyone for helping me get to Pennsic, teach, and even get to the Dance Expo; without the help of so many wonderful people it would have been impossible. <b>ORLUK ROCKS</b>!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcp4VlVKDRM/U-itjp3NlBI/AAAAAAAAI4w/O25I4nM6ZOc/s1600/Orluk-Oasis-campers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="campers in front of Orluk gate " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcp4VlVKDRM/U-itjp3NlBI/AAAAAAAAI4w/O25I4nM6ZOc/s1600/Orluk-Oasis-campers.jpg" height="216" title="outside the Orluk Oasis at Pennsic" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">campers from Orluk Oasis, Roman Road, w10, Pennsic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>(Note: the Funky Dance Combos are <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXjT4Ka2miRbAnBjawVUm46U-ysIf2PYu" target="_blank">available to learn online here</a>)</i><br />
Anthea Kawakib, also known as Atesh<br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-56141524867423293192014-07-22T14:39:00.000-04:002014-07-22T14:39:58.513-04:00sometimes a crutch is okayI need a crutch and it's okay!<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I'm seven weeks post-op, and yesterday I had my first physical therapy session as an outpatient. It's in the same place and with the same therapist as after my first hip replacement. He said I wasn't really too far behind my post-op progress from 2010. I was really glad to hear that! I told him my goal was to be walking without assistance next week... and he said that was ambitious, but he didn't rule it out - so, GREAT!<br />
<br />
Because my hand, wrist, and shoulder are sore from using the walker and cane, he recommended trying a crutch. I still have my crutches from last time (my first THR happened after a <a href="http://bellydancing-life.blogspot.com/2010/04/bellydancers-thr-experience.html">riding accident</a> and I had to use crutches in between the accident and surgery) so I've started using a crutch most of the time now. At least my arm is hurting in a different place! <br />
<br />
<b>So today I actually went down to the basement again</b> - second time in almost two months - to start rejuvenating my poor studio! It's a bit slow going using only one arm <b>but at least I feel like I'm doing <i>something</i></b>. <br />
We have a big show in Fredericksburg the weekend after next ("Sequins and Shimmies") and then, <i>inshallah</i>, I'll be heading up to Pennsic. I've been working on the show for weeks so today I treated myself to dragging out my storage boxes of Pennsic garb and beginning to think about my yearly trip to Orluk... If I can get around well enough, and feel up to the long car trip, it will be my 24th year - an even two dozen. So I have my fingers crossed! Please send me some good energy to help me on my way. Some of my Orluk family: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O4KT9i_4wQ/U86rjHrlzBI/AAAAAAAAIYg/y1OwmDzgSbQ/s1600/orluk-campers-roman-road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O4KT9i_4wQ/U86rjHrlzBI/AAAAAAAAIYg/y1OwmDzgSbQ/s320/orluk-campers-roman-road.jpg" /></a></div><br><br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AntheaKawakibPoole/posts">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-87285783959140617132014-07-11T13:58:00.000-04:002014-07-11T13:58:39.784-04:00here's a bright spot!Even though I'm still using a walker at 5 weeks post-op, the "Sequins and Shimmies" show gives me something to look forward to: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/650158385071322/" target="_blank">Facebook Event Page</a><br />
<br />
Each day I am getting stronger - it gives me a sense of wonderment when I think about it. <b><i>A little effort on a regular basis makes a world of difference!</i></b><br />
I saw the Doctor yesterday and he wants me to continue as I have been, but at least he did clear me for driving, and for using a quad-cane when I'm comfortable with it. I don't feel stable enough to use a regular cane yet.<br />
But as I said, I'm getting stronger every day so just have to keep at it. If dance students realized how "magically" their skills would <b>improve with a short practice segment</b> every other day, what amazing progress they'd see!<br />
Just dance a little every day or so with an eye toward <u>clean technique</u>! <b style="font-style: italic;">That's the magic formula for becoming a better dancer!</b><br />
<b style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</b><br />
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<div class="g-post" data-href="https://plus.google.com/103611940584662086836/posts/Fgkt3XYdByx"></div>One day at a time...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AntheaKawakibPoole/about" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-15373266549233340862014-07-03T10:51:00.002-04:002014-07-03T10:51:59.972-04:00a longer recovery...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Whiney and depressed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've just been reading the beginning of this blog, back to when I had my first THR, just to see how similar this experience is to the first time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And, this time things are going slower. Oh well! I'm a bit disappointed but just have to deal with it. Actually I'm kind of down about it but... I'm sure it'll work out fine in the end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My leg hurts today, I guess where the metal is in the bone; sitting in the car going to class last night seemed to catch it right at a tender spot. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm tired and depressed! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>It's just one of those days...</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AntheaKawakibPoole/posts" target="_blank">Anthea Kawakib</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">- End of Post -</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-50697058181532662792014-06-20T12:34:00.000-04:002014-06-30T10:44:43.063-04:002 weeks post-op, again!<h2>
I have plenty of physical restrictions, but they're temporary.</h2>
I saw my Dr. yesterday for my first follow-up visit, and am disappointed at longer restrictions than I expected, but he's the boss of me in this case! I can't drive, I have to continue to use the walker, and to wear the daggone leg thingie at night. It looks like this:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRlvYwWGNmo/U7F3k4Ynf_I/AAAAAAAAHog/cexGJtAxSVs/s1600/thr-leg-apparatus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="hip replacement leg apparatus" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CRlvYwWGNmo/U7F3k4Ynf_I/AAAAAAAAHog/cexGJtAxSVs/s1600/thr-leg-apparatus.jpg" height="200" title="leg pillow" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">what I wear at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
It keeps me from rolling over or crossing my legs, which could dislocate my new hip joint. <br />
<br />
I also reread my first several posts here when I was post-op my first THR 4 years ago, and saw that I hurt myself by doing too much. <br />
So I'll play it super safe this time. <br />
I did get rides to classes this week, and it was awkward and tiring, but I enjoyed being '"in belly dance class" again, so very much! <br />
Some students will be over tonight to prepare for the Hafla that's happening next week as well. This is my medical expenses fundraiser. I already owe way more than I've raised through donations... but I'll continue to be optimistic and hope for the best.<br />
<br />
Can YOU share my fundraising site with your network? Maybe there's an Angel out there for me: <a href="http://antheaship.com/" target="_blank">Anthea's Hip</a><br />
If you're near Fredericksburg, VA you're more than welcome to come enjoy the evening with us and experience a real belly dance party with drumming, dancing, games and a raffle. If you can't come yourself, please tell your friends:<br />
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Anthea's Hip Hafla - fundraising event:<br />Saturday June 28, 4 - 7pm<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;">.</span>Kabab City Restaurant<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">10681 Spotsylvania Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22408</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>Any donation for a ticket: <a aria-haspopup="true" class="Object" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/antheas-hip-hafla-tickets-11949989741" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2774_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">Hip Hafla tickets</a><a aria-haspopup="true" class="Object" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/antheas-hip-hafla-tickets-11949989741" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2775_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">http://www.eventbrite.com/e/antheas-hip-hafla-tickets-11949989741</a><br />Facebook event: <a aria-haspopup="true" class="Object" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/649860251769039/" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2776_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">Hip Hafla</a><a aria-haspopup="true" class="Object" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/649860251769039/" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT2777_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/649860251769039/</a></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: #fdfdfd;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24.919998168945313px;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Anthea Kawakib</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Trebuchet MS', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24.919998168945313px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24.919998168945313px;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">- End of Post -</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Trebuchet MS', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24.919998168945313px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 24.919998168945313px;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-80558126139110685212014-06-17T11:30:00.000-04:002014-06-17T11:30:00.554-04:00just another challenge...<h2><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">It seems crazy that I'd dance when actually pretty disabled! </span></span></h2><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">The video in the post below is from only a little over a month ago - I could barely use my left hip! That means I couldn't really use it well for balance, or for articulating movements on the other side, my right hip. Yet I'm dancing. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">I think there's something about some performers that just makes us do it no matter what. <b><i>Is it crazy?</i></b> I don't know - but the thing is, <i>NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA HOW HARD IT WAS TO DANCE</i>! Yet there I am performing - who can explain it!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">That's what "the show must go on" means, right? You don't give up easy. <b>And that's exactly what makes recovery from surgery easier too!</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">So here's to having whatever it is that makes us go on in the face of difficulties. I'm so thankful I'm "one of those" types of performers.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br />
</span></span><script src="https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<div class="g-post" data-href="https://plus.google.com/103611940584662086836/posts/KT3dZJnBhFn"></div><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Anthea Kawakib</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">- End of Post -</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-78183307790243417502014-06-03T14:52:00.001-04:002014-06-03T14:52:48.868-04:00Tomorrow, people!<h2>
Tomorrow, people!</h2>
<h3>
<i>At this time tomorrow I'll have a sweet new hip - YAY! </i></h3>
Sure has been a busy few days trying to get my office work done so I can relax for a few - like I have a choice! haha<br />
Yesterday I had a nice long phone chat with my old friend Shawkat (who gave me my Arabic dance name "Kawakib" long, long ago - at El Cid nightclub in fact). It was great talking about old times, and how the dance scene is going nowadays - because he's still playing for dancers! Way to go Shawkat, and Nazira - who plays great sagat accompaniment to his oud. It just happened that I'd gotten his new CD in the mail a few days ago, it's available on Amazon. It's a must for dancers who want to learn to dance to live music; you can hear the audience in the background a little, and hear how Shawkat encourages the dancers and audience. Just like being in the club!<br />
<h4>
And on the horizon... </h4>
<br />
What I'm looking forward to now is seeing everybody at my <a href="http://www.kawakib.com/events.html" target="_blank"><b>Hip Hafla fundraiser</b></a>! Got a pretty flyer done at least, but my PRISM Dancers will have to do some of the organizing... I'm excited! <script src="https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><div class="g-post" data-href="https://plus.google.com/100487141077021842711/posts/4eudAUDwmVM">
</div>
<br />
<br />
See you on the other side!<br />
<br />
Anthea Kawakib<br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-59165626504539964512014-05-28T08:21:00.001-04:002014-05-28T08:23:12.290-04:00one week to go! <h2>Surgery is next week.</h2>I'm starting to feel a little rushed but am trying to keep it together and get things done.<br />
My <a href="http://www.antheaship.com/" target="_blank">medical expenses fundraiser</a> is creeping up bit by bit, but there's still far to go. <i>Please share it with your friends, it's sure to help!</i> <br />
There are trades and incentives for donations - from books to videos to online coaching!<br />
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br />
<div class="g-post" data-href="https://plus.google.com/103611940584662086836/posts/3ppmZQQo2YB"></div>I am SO looking forward to having two working hips again!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AntheaKawakibPoole">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-62162869116787986212014-05-13T18:28:00.003-04:002014-05-13T18:28:47.826-04:00HERE WE GO AGAIN!<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've started on the road to a hip replacement, again. </span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>But, under slightly different circumstances than before...</i></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Four years ago at this time, I was a month out from surgery and enjoying life again! Hospital, doctor, physical therapy and other medical bills were coming in and we were paying them, no problem. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How different things are now: unless we get crowdfunding to pay for this surgery, I'll be limping around forever. That's harsh. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This hip, my left one, is going bad faster than the other one did; and I know I don't want to suffer like that again. I've started the process to get surgery in just a few weeks (in early June), so I can be fully recuperated before winter. <b><i>I'm so looking forward to dancing again!!!</i> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So all I can focus on now is this crowdfunding project: <a href="http://www.antheaship.com/" target="_blank">Anthea's Hip</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please share this with your network and friends - you never know who can help! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the last few years I've seen other artists crowdfund their artistic projects, like DVDs, books, even tours, and thought, <i>"wow - I could've done that for my booklets, videos, and audio cds - why didn't I think of that!?"</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I would've never thought of that - but it DID inspire to start a project like that to help me pay for this operation; since <b>our insurance is about as useful as my hip is now</b>! If you want the gory details our crappy insurance, it's on that site above, and I'm posting updates there too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you have any suggestions, comments, or ideas, please let me know! </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSdozLerfSQ/U3KbJ8vV0YI/AAAAAAAAGaI/c-8mB7dCdYc/s1600/THR-fundraiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo of fundraising postcard" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSdozLerfSQ/U3KbJ8vV0YI/AAAAAAAAGaI/c-8mB7dCdYc/s1600/THR-fundraiser.jpg" height="245" title="postcard for fundraiser" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Project THR fundraiser</u></td></tr>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AntheaKawakibPoole">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-35677754443725603592014-04-16T11:08:00.002-04:002014-04-16T11:08:43.868-04:00I'm still dancing, but...<h2>
What Will the Summer Bring?</h2>
<h3>
Maybe, a new body part. </h3>
We've had a busy Spring in Fredericksburg with lots of dancing: our Food Drive Hafla, a couple of local workshops, and shows.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Udk2lxos-wE/U06T5mzywZI/AAAAAAAAFp8/TEkfTMgxaOI/s1600/ready-for-the-hafla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="pre-performance selfie" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Udk2lxos-wE/U06T5mzywZI/AAAAAAAAFp8/TEkfTMgxaOI/s1600/ready-for-the-hafla.jpg" height="320" title="Costume, Makeup, and Hair all done" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the Hafla</td></tr>
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Dancing always makes me happy, it's my passion and my life. <br />
But, it's becoming physically harder for me to continue as my "other hip" (the left one) wears out.<br />
My titanium hip is great though!<br />
Four years ago I had no choice but to get the right hip replaced; this time I can see the writing on the wall and know that by this time next year, my left hip would be too bad to use; it actually seems to be wearing out faster than the other one did. So that means a Big Decision.<br />
I vote YES, let's do it!<br />
The problem is that our insurance has changed, and not for the better. It appears that I may have to look at crowd-funding to make up the difference in lost income and out of pocket medical expenses. This is a shocker to me, but I'll get over it. <br />
If you'd like to see what <b>dancing with a worn out hip looks like</b>, it's probably evident on my latest videos (does that stop me? No.). Perhaps it's not noticeable unless you're a dancer, I'm not sure; but my balance is off because my hip isn't stable - that is, it's sliding around in the hip socket. Eww!<br />
Take a look at this video I filmed yesterday and see what I mean: <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy9VC9lZhKMVMtKKlPhKx0LgSYcQtyzmyhs9sXhButY42TlXf78P4M9EVLtjf9dUKrB5RhTGuuszxUJgZr30w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Of course I'll keep dancing and teaching, that's what I do. And coaching is another love of mine, as is writing.<br />
<br />
My dancers understand and support my decision about surgery; they're even behind me in planning to use our annual Recital as a fundraising event for "Project THR".<br />
My next steps are to find out which crowd funding options are the best for my situation, as I know next to nothing about them, outside of having seen quite a few Kickstarters on my Facebook timeline in the past year or so!<br />
<b>I welcome any input or suggestions if you have experience with raising money; please comment or email me your tips</b>. <br />
<br />
Aside from all this, life goes on - dancing, teaching, and yes, horseback riding!<br />
<h3>
Make A Connection? </h3>
Let's be social - I love connecting on Facebook and Google+ !<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AntheaKawakibPoole">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Virginia, USA37.4315734 -78.65689420000001131.0306784 -88.9840427 43.832468399999996 -68.329745700000018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-51235263681333416322014-01-07T16:39:00.000-05:002014-01-07T16:39:23.968-05:00quiet interlude between events!<h2>
Reflecting and Redirecting </h2>
The improvisation workshop before the holidays went well and I enjoyed meeting and working with two local dance students who were new to me; as well as two of my regular students. I love how my students come and support my events, even if it's a topic that they have studied before! <br />
After our exciting show with the PRISM Dancers on New Year's Eve, I've had some time to regroup and plan for 2014. We're starting our regular belly dance schedule this week, with regular classes starting downtown and the PRISM Rehearsal Club once again on track. We'll have new topics in class; and new performances to prepare for as well.<br />
<h3>
February promises excitement! </h3>
In early February I'm hosting a <b>Candle Dance workshop</b>; and later in the month a <b>Tribal Hafla Food Drive</b>.<br />
I'm really looking forward to both. February sounds like a magic month already!<br />
I'd also like to offer a class on the <b>Chakra Isolations</b>, but haven't decided when or where yet. <br />
All these events are open to dancers; and of course the Hafla is open to the public. We can always use another performer or three, so stay in touch and if you would like to dance, let me know. <br />
Connect with my PRISM Dancers page on G+ to keep track of our events. We love connecting with dancers!<br />
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Will we see you at one of our events? I hope so!<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AntheaKawakibPoole">Anthea Kawakib</a><br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4766626866507594984.post-8004591983742787112013-12-10T09:51:00.000-05:002013-12-10T09:51:44.265-05:00Let us dance, Weather!<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Oh December, how fickle you are!</span><br />
Some days have been warm, even almost 70 degrees; but this past week we're getting Virginia's winter worst: sleet, freezing rain, and ice. I had to reschedule my Improvisation workshop to this coming weekend, and my fingers are crossed. Let us dance, weather! <br />
<br />
<br />
I've got a new <b>Improv Handout</b> ready to go; I'm all about one-page handouts lately so I distilled a bunch of different tactics down to just 6 ideas... after the workshop it may turn up here in a new post. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile I'm updating my website, streamlining and reformatting the pages; and getting that done will keep me busy during the holidays when we don't have many classes. Since I started my site in 1999 it's really grown, I think there's over 125 pages - lots of articles of course, a couple of sewing tutorials, history pages, and a handful of photo pages from "before Facebook"!<br />
I used to make one Photo page each year and include it on my site, but that was getting out of hand. Now most of our belly dance event photos are going right online to Instagram, FB, Google+ and Twitter... I don't really like having them all spread out like that, but there it is. Belly dancers end up with so many photos! Is there a better way to organize and save them now? <br />
<br />
<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/103611940584662086836/about" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Anthea / Kawakib</a><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">- End of Post -</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09424516979705714346noreply@blogger.com0Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA38.3048885 -77.48166930000002138.205194 -77.64303080000002 38.404582999999995 -77.320307800000023