Dancing Through Life

each dance is a further step to recovery

2012-01-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

So for our New Year's Eve show in Fredericksburg this year my performing group PRISM did a number called Ich Inta. This dance is like one of those old Mahmoud Reda Troupe choreographies where the group is on their knees in a circle while Farida Fahmy dances in the middle. I eschew putting myself in the "star spot" when dancing with my group, so I typically assign the soloist part to one of my students, this time to Nashida who dances very prettily in Egyptian style. That meant I (along with the rest of the group) had to get up and down from the kneeling position during the dance.

Well, it was really difficult for me to get up from the kneeling position when we started rehearsing, and I was worried about how awkward it looked; but with some practise several times a week (using a cane to help) I did finally work up the leg strength to do creditably well on stage when we performed on New Year's eve. That's a relief!

Now we're working up another choreography with several up-and-downs to do! So this is great for my leg muscles; and wouldn't you know, it turns out I have to use my non-favorite kneeling leg too. I always love it when bellydance itself provides the exercise my body needs.

I'm a big believer using real belly dance moves for body conditioning whenever possible... now on to the next show!

Anthea / Kawakib
- end of post -

what's in the baskets?

2011-12-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

This New Year's Eve, PRISM is debuting our "Basket Dance" which is just a bunch of fun, really. One of those dances we do for ourselves! One reason is the raucous beledi music, Luxor Baladna (Afrah Baladna Said). Yeah, YOU know what I mean! A definite party piece.

The New Year's Eve show looks fun all around actually. One more rehearsal tomorrow night...then on to First Night in Fredericksburg on Saturday!

So we've had a Class Holiday this week and last week, and outside of one rehearsal I've done NO dancing... just letting my body rest. BUT, you know how it is when you're used to bellydancing - you can only go so long without it! Your body wants to do it even if you're not planning on it. So I've been breaking into "spontaneous yoga", in other words, Chakra Isolations. I love how that happens! I love chakra isolations anyway, and when my body does that I remember I need to move, so when that starts to happen I just focus on doing them as usual, from bottom to top or vice versa; or sometimes just a few in whatever chakra wants to move! I don't think I've written an article on doing the Chakra Isolations yet, but I did mention them in this post - they're something I learned from my wonderful former student Shakti.

...and what's in the baskets? Beans of course!

Happy New Year!

- Anthea / Kawakib
(end of post)

Homecoming: Return to The Solo!

2011-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I did my first paid solo gig since my hip surgery, and it felt great. I mean emotionally, but of course physically as well. Since I hadn't done a 15-minute show by myself in about three years, I asked one of my regular dancers, Pixie, to come and do a number just in case I got winded and couldn't finish. I know that's silly but I felt like I needed a cushion - again, emotionally, not physically! So Pixie opened the show with a Sword solo, and I did an Oriental piece, drum solo, and audience dance number. It was great!

The audience couldn't have been better - the Richmond, Virginia dancers are some of the best at hospitality and graciousness, bar none. This particular group, the Belly Dance School of Richmond, evolved from Sheva's School of Belly Dance, and Sheva left a strong tradition of bellydancers supporting bellydancers. They've always been the warmest, friendliest people.
A big "Thank You" to Dorma for thinking of having me!

So it was a great "Homecoming" for me, returning to The Solo. Kind of like icing on the cake... being able to dance again, period, is great - but being able to solo... that's extra fine!

- Anthea / Kawakib
(end of post)

I'm back!

2011-11-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm SO looking forward to December! A couple of really fun shows are in store. THAT's what it's all about: sharing the love of this dance with our besties!

Some of my super fans in Richmond invited me down to dance at their Belly Dance School's holiday party... and it'll be my first real "solo gig" since I retired prior to my THR.
This is another milestone in my recovery; solo gigs are something I said "Goodbye" to when my hip went bad. I'll never forget that emotional ride home after what I knew had to be my last restaurant show. Dancing had become too painful, and because of that my movements just weren't good enough anymore. At least I left on my own decision rather than be "let go", but that's small comfort when you're looking at the end of what you love.

I found that though I hated leaving the dance world as a performer, I didn't miss the restaurant gig scene much at all. So much time spent in dressing rooms, kitchens, cars... HAVING to perform no matter what... well, it was great experience but I'm glad it's behind me.

Now coming back, it's one step at a time, but such an enjoyable journey. Performing is something that's fun again because it's not a demand. And it's so exciting to be working up a solo Oriental piece again! Now I'm trying to figure out how long I can effectively perform solo as my stamina isn't what it was, but maybe I'm being too cautious! We'll see...

And - funny thing: the other night while I was doing my exercises I realized that my right leg is now STRONGER than my left one, since I've been concentrating on it so much! Oops!

- Anthea / Kawakib
(end of post)

HipMix interview about my recovery from THR

2011-11-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

Here's the HipMix interview, nicely done by Christina:
Recovery After a Total Hip Replacement: One Belly Dancer's Story

- Anthea / Kawakib
(end of post)

Getting my Dance on!

2011-11-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weekends were filled with Belly Dance! I'm so enjoying getting my costumes out and planning performances again...

dancing at Zafira Daima's show (A. Savedge photo)

One Saturday evening I went to Richmond to a friend's (and fellow teacher) student recital and shared my Layali pop number. That's really my first out-of-town solo in a couple of years (and the first since my THR) - it felt great seeing and dancing for old friends again!

The next day I instigated a Drum & Dance Hafla - outside - to take advantage of the last nice Fall weather. Thank goodness it was sunny and in the mid-50's. We set up in the downtown park for some tribal improv, drumming, and a few special solos by friends.

(l-r) J.Bob, Pixie, Pat, Galiyah, Uzume join me at Hurkamp Park!

The next weekend I hosted a bellydance party at Aladin, one of the few remaining local Middle Eastern restaurants. Aladin was actually the last place I worked as a soloist before my degenerated hip joint ended that for me. I'll never forget driving home after my last performance there when I realized I could no longer continue.
Anyway, now in happier times, Aladin no longer has Oriental Dancers perform there regularly; they've decided to accommodate sports fans and hookah fans. So at this time, Fredericksburg has NO regular dancing - and just a few years ago, there were three places to dance!
During the Hafla, the other patrons enjoyed our dancing when they weren't watching football (with the sound turned down).

I LOVE bellydance parties!

It's really good to be able to enjoy these events by DANCING again, and not just watching. I feel renewed as a dancer!

by Anthea (Kawakib)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

shimmy shimmy shake!

2011-10-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

I've got to say I love being able to post such postive reports about dancing again :)

I had an urge to replace the "how to shimmy" clip that went missing, so yesterday I put some makeup on and whipped this quick clip out. I think you'd never know I had a hip replacement, right? So it's all good. Yay!

I also am looking forward to HipMix.net's interview in the next few weeks, which will put the THR + bellydancing issue on blast. Bellydancers who've had hip replacements, come out come out where you are!
Kawakib's Shimmy Tech - 3/4 and Regular Shimmies

by Anthea (Kawakib)

Don't be afraid to bellydance- it won't hurt you like it hurt me.

2011-10-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that sometimes my students look a little freaked out when I mention my hip surgery.
Here's the thing: we professionals wear ourselves out by constant use in performance, teaching, rehearsing; preparing class material, etc. Not only is our physical load much more extreme than student hobbyists, but we often continue our activities when we should be recuperating from injuries - how can you keep a dance job if you miss work while you tend an injury? You won't, not without a contract.

So there's no comparison - don't be afraid to bellydance because your teacher's had hip surgery!

Here's how my hip is doing - almost back to pre-surgery strength, and it works so much better than it did just prior to my THR! Bellydancing in October 2011

Photo from bellydance show this past weekend

Meanwhile, my first belly dance teacher's had her THR and is recovering at home. I expect we'll hear of more and more bellydancers having replacement surgeries, now that we're taking our first steps out of the closet!

by Anthea (Kawakib)

bruises, aches, and pains oh my!

2011-09-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Another week and my ribs are still really sore from the fall. I overdid things on Saturday too - that was a long day with lots of physical activity, and since then I've really been feeling aches and pains. Also found a big bruise on my backside that's quite spectacular...

So today, more teaching, but this time I'll sit and coach more. What's nice is that in class we're working on the pop choreography I'll be performing in the upcoming October shows so I can review it for myself while I teach. Of course I'm still planning to dance in the shows! And that's why I can't wait to feel the turnaround and get back to "normal".

by Anthea (Kawakib)

(gasp) OUCH (gasp) No, really, I'm okay!

2011-09-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Teaching bellydance classes last night went fine even though I couldn't really take a deep breath because of my rib injury (see previous post about my fall off a horse)... but at least I'd remembered about my left-over pain meds from my hip surgery and thus felt pretty good! So more of that will be happening tonight with my two beginner classes!

And October is going to be busy - I decided to load up my calendar with an in-house student workshop, as well as solo performances at a couple of nearby shows, and local marketing demos. It's like getting back in the saddle, bellydance-wise. But I feel up to it, and the discrepancy in strength between one hip and the other is diminishing, though I still notice it in certain moves like shimmies and sharp moves. Maybe I only notice it because I'm looking - but I know if *I* am looking, others will be too. And that's fine because I consider myself a source of inspiration for Aging Bellydancers, which pretty much covers them all!
...and now off to get ready to teach!
by Anthea (Kawakib)

My fifth tumble off a horse, but who's counting?!

2011-09-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

So now I can relax, I've had my first horseback fall since I got my hip replacement, and all seems well.

You never know which horse will dump you. I think it's the quiet ones you have to look out for! You just don't expect it from a horse who's notoriously dead to the leg like Velvet. But put her next to a little firecracker of a pony with an attitude and watch the hooves fly!

All I know is that we were quietly warming up in the arena and passed little Belle (who's quick to take offence to other horses, especially other mares), and Velvet exploded sideways. Turns out Belle tried to give her a little kick as we passed, just for the heck of it...

Velvet's sideways dance brought us right into a corner where a jump butted up to the fence, and I tumbled off. I hit the ground sideways, and of course on the same side with my artificial hip! Luckily though my ribs took the brunt of the fall, and I've got plenty of ribs, so no worries. It rang my bell pretty good when my helmet hit though. I can't imagine NOT wearing a helmet! That is just plain dumb.

So my ribs are pretty sore and it's hard to take a deep breath, but my hip is only a trifle sore to the touch. I'll take a day off from exercise and dance and see how I feel tomorrow. I don't have to dance until mid-week anyway!

Sweet Black Velvet

by Anthea (Kawakib)

two weeks of sweating my a** off...

2011-09-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks were pretty demanding so I MUST be getting a lot stronger. I did afternoon chores at White Buffalo Horse Farm for almost two weeks straight (that's 23 horses to take care of!) and taught two mini-workshops (2 hours each) of a fast and intense Egyptian Pop choreography; and of course my regular weekly horse back rides and lessons. Nothing hurts! Well actually I had a collar bone/shoulder ouchie but that's beside the point.
I've got to admit though I was too pooped to do any regular exercising! So maybe I'll just count it as two weeks of "cross training".

This week it's "back to school", teaching my regular bellydance classes at Fredericksburg Parks and Rec. and I'll enjoy a regular routine again.

a year ago...

2011-08-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Last year at this time, I got my doctor's okay to resume Horseback riding and Bellydancing! A wonderful year indeed! When you think about it, 4 months is not long to wait at all!
To celebrate, here are photos taken this week, from both of my passions...

I LOVE this exercise!

2011-08-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I heard from my first and primary bellydance teacher, Sandy (Bedia), because of this blog. She's scheduled for hip surgery and couldn't find much info regarding bellydancers and THR - I wish more dancers would write about their experiences, it would be so helpful to others who are facing that situation.

Sandy's always been into fitness and exercise, so after retiring from bellydance she went into teaching Pilates and Zumba. Of course, like so many other dancers and fitness professionals (including myself) who power on with their activities even through injuries and pain, she finally learned she was a candidate for hip replacement surgery. The silver lining is that I'm sure her level of fitness will help her recover quickly.

She gave me a great exercise I hadn't heard before, and I've added it to my day. It requires an appropriate slope where you can walk (I use my backyard):
1. Walk backwards up the hill
2. When at the top, turn 45 degrees, and walk downhill step together, step out, close etc.
3. At the bottom, come back uphill, same step.
4. At the top, turn 180 degrees, do downhill same step.
5. Come uphill same step.
6. Walk backwards down the hill.
This works weaker leg muscles, hamstrings, adductors, abductors.

I LOVE this exercise! You'd think from all the dance steps I'm used to doing it would be a piece of cake, but the first time I did it I could feel various leg muscles startng to burn half-way down the hill! It must be the angle of incline making the difference. Anyway, my neighbors will no doubt chalk it up to just another of my "weird" activities...

So I wonder how many dance and fitness professionals are "in the closet" about their physical ailments?
If you've decided to "come out" please connect with me: Anthea (Kawakib)

What my weight belt told me...

2011-06-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I don't have time or energy to do regular exercises I just put on my weight belt (from Delilah) while I'm doing house chores, and I've noticed that when I'm walking, my right foot (THR side) feels different hitting the floor than the other. The impact is much more jarring, but so far I can't pinpoint why. There's something different about how I'm using that side, I'm trying to figure it out.

I would never have noticed without the weight belt. I should be a paid spokesperson for these things - I don't get anything for recommending them. I really love mine, and tell my students if they REALLY want to get into their bellydance movements they should get one, but I know they're pricey and it's hard for students to spend what could be costume money on something like a weight belt. Too bad, they are really cool. They're really amazing 0 in my experience they seem to magnify what the body is doing, in terms of awareness. They make you really feel what your muscles are doing. Obviously, they're fabulous if you do Egyptian style, where you need that inner muscular awareness.

So now I have to wear it and walk around to see if I can figure out what I'm doing that's different on my right side...

I'm including a link to them on Delilah's site because I think they're awesome -

getting LOTS of exercise :)

2011-06-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

Wow! a LOT of dancing and horseriding lately...

I'm bringing back an old choreography that needs advanced dancers, my Tambourine Dance to John Bilezikjian's Hezy Yana Waim. What a great song! I love the dance too, it's intense... a couple of my upper level students and I will do it at our Recital in July, I'm really looking forward to it!

All five of my classes are focused on Recital now, so we're cramming in all the choreography review and Tribal Odyssey polishing we can at each class. It's great how deadlines get students' attention!

We're starting extra rehearsals next week so it'll add even more to the routine.

This past week I had a great time riding, rode Reecie Friday, Champagne on Sunday, and Missy yesterday. They're the best! All so sweet & responsive. I'm really focusing on getting my legs on, doing two-point in the trot, and posting while keeping my legs & upper body in position. Missy and I did a little cavaletti work yesterday, but it was so freaking hot & humid we only rode for about 20 minutes. I think it was 90 degrees with matching humidity - at 7pm!

thighs...

2011-06-13T04:55:00.000-07:00

I've noticed my thigh muscles are still really weak so have added lots of lunges during the day. I was really surprised; I only found out trying to do a leg extension/squat exercise, or I wouldn't have noticed from dancing. I'm also putting the weight belt back on for dancing, but with less weight than formerly as it feels REALLY heavy :)

still need more muscle...

2011-06-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

As far as bellydancing goes, my advanced hip moves are starting to come back to my right hip, and shimmies are getting smoother... that's the good news. But, I can tell when I'm horseback riding that my right leg still isnt' strong enough. It's especially noticable when posting the trot, with and without stirrups... When I have stirrups, my right leg is moving around too much; without stirrups, I can feel quite a difference in "gripping action" in my thighs, comparing the right to the left.
So more strength training is on deck for my right leg! We'll get there...

resuming more activities...

2011-05-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

So it's been several years since I could garden, but now without the hip pain I can again! So add gardening to my activities now! woohoo :)
I also think my leg is getting stronger, it seems to be staying in place better when I'm horseback riding.
And, my advanced dancers & I recently started working on one of my harder choreographies, and I'm really looking forward to our performance of it, whenever that might be - maybe this year's Student Recital!!! Yay ~

shimmied in Richmond Va!

2011-05-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

My shimmies feel A-OK! My PRISM Dancers & I did Egyptian tribal (Ghawazee and Raks al Qaria) for the Shimmy Sunday show in Richmond this past weekend. I so enjoyed it - that style is earthy, funky, flirty, fun!

Happy Birthday, Right Hip!

2011-04-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Officially a year old now, my right hip joint is well and happy!
To wit: this week I taught six dance classes, performed several numbers in a PRISM Dancers show, worked on White Buffalo horse farm, and went horseback riding once and am planning to ride again today.

Life, as the saying goes, is good!

Woohoo! back to Cane Dancing!

2011-04-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

I loved the Cane Duet with Nashida in our PRISM Dancers' folkloric set at the UMW Fair yesterday. The concrete was hard on the feet but otherwise, felt great. We used a song from Hasan abou el Saoud's cd - poppy but classic at the same time -

bellydance hafla celebrating Spring!

2011-03-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

Last night was our Spring Class hafla, a bellydance party - the just-for-fun kind, not the performing-for-the-public kind. That's me dancing (with my daughter in the background) doing a little Tribal Odyssey group improv. Haflas are the only time we can really get all levels of students dancing together and that's one of the things I love most about them; plus, it's a PARTY!

out on the trail finally

2011-03-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday after horse riding class I got to go on the trail again, it's been over a year since I left the arena. I was on Phoenix and he was amazing, that is as soon as we got in front of Tre who was slowing us down :) I've been reading Mark Rashid & Linda Tellington-Jones so was just working on managing my excitement at riding out again and keeping Phoenix relaxed and happy, he was great.

Dancing is going well, stamina is much improved now and both of my legs are looking almost the same as far as muscle goes. Still slightly heftier on the off side, but I can do a full squat and either leg can bring me back up to vertical so that's wonderful.
We'll be having a class hafla later this month so I'll be dancing in that; between me & PRISM we've got several performances coming up this Spring, shows here in Fredericksburg and also going down to Richmond in May. That'll be great fun! Yay Spring!

Shaking the new hip around...

2010-12-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

Last week I did a solo with my performing group PRISM, just a short improv to a pop song in a new dress - fun!

here it is on youtube

Back with a bang!

2010-12-08T06:36:00.000-08:00

December's turned into a busy month, making up for lost time I guess!

Between me and my PRISM Dancers we have 6 bellydance events, and I participated in my first horse show last weekend.

My strength still isn't what it used to be but I am getting stronger all the time. I've adapted the exercises I was "supposed" to do ("keep doing the exercises thru the end of the year" the Dr. said) to more pertinent ones, and added a fun balance board to the routine too.

Using the balance board I did fine some differences between one side and the other, mainly in flexibility through my hips and back, so am working on that.

People ask me often "how's your hip" and I'm so happy to say, "GREAT!"

2010-11-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

It's so great to be "back"... to normal! Or normal enough LOL

I've got several bellydance events coming up in December: a Tribal Odyssey Meet, with students from other areas; my group the PRISM Dancers are hosting (& performing in) a "Bellydance Night" at a local restaurant; we're dancing for a local senior community who are big fans of ours; then we're dancing at First Night downtown on New Year's Eve - weather permitting! Lots of fun stuff :)

And, I'll be in my first horse show this Sunday which is super exciting! I'm so looking forward to it - since it's a schooling show (held at White Buffalo, where I take lessons), my teacher's letting me use any music I want, so I'm using my new single "Let Me Dance" ( by Tribe O). I wrote it while I was recovering from my hip surgery, it's about wanting to dance and ride again. woohoo! It's gonna be fun!

yep, I forgot!

2010-10-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

I've officially started horse riding classes again (that is, paid for them); I've been riding a little bit here & there, but both my favorite rides are lame-ish so nothing very spectacular.

Bellydance class is back on track & feels fine, & I hang (almost) upside down afterwards too. Haven't yet gone completely vertical on the inversion table yet, but almost.

Had a big weekend with Tribal Jam X on Saturday, teaching a mini-class, "Intro to Tribal Odyssey" in the afternoon, and dancing with PRISM that evening. Sunday went to DC to see Turku at the Turkish Festival... that was fun even though they only played 4 or 5 songs thanks to earlier tech difficulties that held up the whole afternoon program.
Then going back to the parking garage (under the Customs building) I went through a metal detector, setting if off of course. But the funny thing is I forgot about my metal hip & thought my underwire bra was setting the durn thing off! And there wasn't even any wine involved! I think that shows how great my hip's doing :)

horse riding - now back to class!

2010-09-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday I rode Velvet, instead of Phoenix, to get more of a workout. Phoenix is still off and can't do much more than a few trots. With Velvet I actually participated in class, to the extent that my legs were sore the next day. But not my hip!
If only everything else on my body felt as good as my bionic hip does now!!!

Just a trifle sore...

2010-09-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

After four classes this week I'm just a trifle sore, and it's not anything to do with my new hip! I feel like a beginner must feel "the day after"!

After both nights of class I got on my inversion table to stretch my back, but didn't go completely upside down to hang from my ankles. Dr. had already ok'd that, but I just didn't feel like pushing it (or rather, PULLING it).

And back to the farm today for a short ride, God willing. Yay! I'm working on rehabbing my favorite ride, he's been out for almost as long as me with a couple of different issues. We're rehabbing together! I want to do an Intro level test for my first dressage clinic this fall, and also do a musical freestyle for a schooling show. So I have much to work on in the arena! So much fun!

Back to Fall Bellydance classes

2010-09-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday started our Fall session of bellydance at Parks & Rec; I danced pretty much through both Intermediate level classes just fine. Was a bit stiff when I got home; iced my back for a while.

I think tonight for the two Basics level classes that I should take it easy, beginners are more work & I'm already doing more than I'm used to. I'm really looking forward to it though!

a little bit (more) at a time...

2010-09-02T05:40:00.000-07:00

Baby Steps! My favorite horse Phoenix is recovering from lameness but he's sound enough for me to ride since I'm only doing very very gentle stuff. So Sunday I added 5 minutes in the saddle, yesterday another 5... for a total of 20 minutes! My legs are still messy & the right one gets out of place & swings around, but that's nothing new. I might go again tomorrow if the weather holds (we're waiting to see what Hurricane Earl's going to do), and Sunday morning.

Saturday afternoon I'm planning on joining my students onstage for a videotaping of our Tribal Odyssey dancing, just a short set. And next week, classes start again!

back in the saddle...

2010-08-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

My Dr. "signed off" on everything Monday, with only a few reservations. He says don't get crazy with the dancing... and stay in the arena on horseback. So I'm good to go!

I did dance with my students in a show this past Saturday, only a couple of days early...
I figured it was OK & I didn't do too much, just a little bit of group improv Chorus Line, Veil, and Duet dancing. I loved it! Got to wear my new Ganesha Bazaar set.

Yesterday I dressed & went to the farm, actually did get on my favorite horse again for about 10 minutes, with my teacher right there. I was sort of nervous... then when it came time to dismount, had an attack of nerves, as that's how I fell off originally & needed surgery. So my teacher pulled the mounting block over & I used that to get off. I think I'll get over that soon, my leg's much better than it ever was, just had a mental block or something.
I don't really want to ride with no other horses in the arena right now, so I'm going to go back when there's class happening.
Sitting in the saddle felt much better than it ever had, though my right foot needs attention in the stirrup. I'm sure it'll come back really soon.
Even that short ride gave me a sore spot - and after all the exercising I've done! I was surprised. Just a little spot between the hammie & glute... maybe more backwards leg raises....
All in all, I'm pretty psyched about it all!

4 months & counting!

2010-08-16T06:37:00.001-07:00

I'm just back from a week of camping at Pennsic (historical re-enactment) and it was great. Lots of walking around, just a little touch of dancing (nothing too 'hip'tastic), and no pain or discomfort. I even drove all the way home with no issues (7 hours). People were alternately intrigued or amazed about the hip replacement (if they didn't already know). The dancers whom I told were a little shocked, but I hope they see that it's nothing to be afraid of; in fact a lot of people told me I looked much happier than before. I know I felt a lot better - I even made it out to parties & did the marketplace tour a couple of times. It felt great!

3 months.... had to dance finally!

2010-07-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

Last week I felt like I MIGHT be able to get a dance together for this weekend's show (my students' annual recital), and I happened to hear a song that made me feel like dancing too even though it's not my usual style. It just felt like how I felt right now (Dust Devil by Kaya Project).
But I knew I wasn't supposed to do any hip moves yet, according to the Dr., and moving around quickly on my feet is just starting to work again too, without causing subsequent hip pain (from muscles that aren't used to it). So it was all pretty iffy... but I worked on it every day just a little bit, and thanks to Sera's East Coast Tribal DVD which I happened to have (we were both Marrakesh dancers together a few years ago), I was able to get a short dance done.
I decided to do it at the tech rehearsal instead of the actual show, so I wouldn't get carried away in front of a "real audience". Also I knew I had to commit myself so I told my students about it.
And then I did it! It was so much fun, and I smiled all the way home...
here's my hip-less bellydance

12 weeks out!!

2010-07-08T04:22:00.001-07:00

Last week I "officially" started a little barn work again where I go riding, just cleaning out a stall or two; taking the wheelbarrow up the ramp to dump it is still iffy but I CAN do it -

THIS week I FINALLY got rid of the damn hip abductor pillow at night! Wow! It was starting to fall apart anyway... I can also get in & out of bed like I used to instead of scooting up from the bottom of the bed.

This is great! My "restrictions" in terms of movement are relaxed, but I know the Drs. said to keep them in mind 6 - 12 months & not do more than one of the positions at a time, that is, not lifting the knee above 90% AND crossing the knee over, etc.

I can walk around really great, am a little stiff when I get up after sitting but that's due a lot to my spinal arthritis. I'm still trying to slow down & be careful when I walk & not get carried away with feeling good. It's still hard not to dance, but I'm not cleared for that yet. I am having fun with "bellydancing" without any hip movements....
I can get on & off my saddle really well, with no pain or discomfort. In fact, sitting on the saddle (which is on a barrel in my house) is absolultely pain-free. Sitting in the saddle has NEVER been pain-free before, so when I discovered that I was totally amazed & happy. I can also walk up & down stairs really well because I've been doing my exercises!

My chakra energy is freaking amazing. All I can say is NEVER underestimate the power of chakra energy; I've seen surprising changes in myself since recovering from the surgery. Now I've added chakra energizing exercises to my routine, and am continuing the chakra isolations I learned from my student Shakti; in fact I did vertical circle isolations today as well. Having the energy flowing better through those chakras has manifested as increased expressiveness of my material interactions with life, so to speak... there is DEFinitely a change here. In fact the energy has increased up through all of the centers, affecting many aspects of living, and how I deal with people. I'm aware that I need to stay on top of this new energy & not let it get crazy; I'm enjoying the new experiences and also enjoying learning firsthand about how the energy goes.

10 weeks post-op

2010-06-24T05:28:00.000-07:00

and all's swell....
Saw the Dr. on Monday & turns out he actually meant late July & August for dancing & horseback riding.... so OK, whatever. This is because bellydancing is hip-intensive; if it were regular dancing I could start earlier. And as far as the horses go, it's not the riding it's the dismounting that's the issue. So I'll just be playing with the horses until then, grooming, hand-grazing, maybe a little groundwork soon I hope...

I did go to the barn & muck out one stall last week and this week, and was amazed at how quickly I got tired. This week I actually did push one wheelbarrow up the ramp to dump it, and that was just on the edge of do-ability. So I have a good sense of my limitations at this point.

Am supposed to keep doing all the physical therapy exercises until Xmas! wow -

I made sure to keep my butt in the seat last night in bellydance class... Thanks to what happened last week, I had to use the cane for several days after that so I need to be in less of a rush to get back into the swing of things.

One fun thing I've done is let myself do another song, since I couldn't dance or ride.... and of course it's a song about wanting to dance & ride again! LOL I just put an excerpt up on Reverbnation, because I'm still cleaning up the single for release:
Let Me Dance (excerpt)

So back to the Dr. in a couple of months..... and he'd better not grab my hip like he did this week - OW!! Must've been some kind of test...

ummm, don't tell the Doctor....

2010-06-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

After all, he did warn me (as my husband pointed out)... I was feeling so good I overdid it a little bit Thursday at Bellydance class, after two exercise sessions (with weights) that day. I was walking a little too fast & did dance around just a tiny bit... so I was sore when I got home. Had to use the cane again so I wouldn't limp.

So no exercises Friday, and today I'll try weights again....

Lesson learned!

almost 8 weeks with new hip!

2010-06-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

I didn't use my cane at all yesterday! it's so nice to walk around like normal again -

I am getting quite a list of exercises & stretches to do though! Seems like every time I go to Physical Therapy there's a new one. Maybe I'm not "supposed" to do them all at home - not sure. But I do see some muscles developing in my leg so it's all good.

I asked my P.T. yesterday about sitting on my barrel again (horseback simulator) & he wants a picture. I also forgot to ask him about my bellydance weight belt... so that's for next time.

seven weeks after surgery...

2010-06-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

My incision's healed up well & is a thin red line; there's still just a little swelling on the side of the hip. I'm on track with all the exercises to keep scar tissue from forming, and have a couple of stretches to do now too.

During the past week I started walking about the house forgetting where my cane was! So I can get around without it for a while, then just use it when my leg gets tired. Those exercises are really paying off! I even skip taking Tylenol sometimes. It's pretty exciting :-)

So yesterday I was able to take my favorite lesson horse out for hand grazing with no problems. It'll still be a couple of months before I can get back in the saddle though...

6 and a Half weeks out!

2010-05-29T04:17:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and found I'd taken off the hip abductor pillow in my sleep, that was a shocker. I've got it loose enough to slip into & out of without having to get someone else to do it -
I was still laying on my back though so that's OK. Still figure I'll wear it until I see the Dr. again to be on the safe side.

6 weeks & going strong

2010-05-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

6-week Follow-up with the Dr. this past Monday, he okayed me to DRIVE!!! Awesome :-) Yahoo!!
So of course the next day I went to visit the horses at White Buffalo!! Missed them so much. Took Phoenix out to graze, it was such a beautiful day.

Now doing the 5-lb. weight on my leg every OTHER day, thanks to the new Phys. Therapist I'm going to, that is working much better. He also gave me more new exercises (& recommended getting a Wii Fit, but I've got a big Dr. bill to pay...).

I can walk pretty well now, I still take the cane along though, because after a short time of walking without it my leg gets tired & sore, but it's getting stronger every day.

So nice to have wheels again -

5 weeks today!

2010-05-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

5 weeks post-op. I'm celebrating by taking a day off from weight lifting! Give my poor hip a chance to relax a bit. Tomorrow will try adding another pound, making a total of 4... :-)

2010-05-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Well I'm proud of myself, I did my two sets of exercises yesterday (now with THREE pounds on my leg!) even though we went grocery shopping & I walked all around the store. Thought I'd be too tired but I wasn't.

I'm keeping track of the reps & sets on my phone, very handy. Yesterday's entry looks like this:
5/17: plie's 45; rotations 20 each; side lifts 60; bridges 45, w/steps 15. outside walk, yes. (the shopping trip!)
Great feeling of accomplishment getting them done every day. woo hoo!

My husband got me a nice black cherry wood walking cane I can use for short distances (not the grocery store, obviously). Will see the Dr. next week, hoping for good news re driving...

weights are exciting!

2010-05-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

For some reason I was so excited yesterday to add weights to my leg exercises (per the P.T. instructions) even if it was only one pound! His schedule says I'll be up to 5 pounds in two weeks which will be amazing.
I've been exercising all my adult life but never have I been so thrilled at each session before, it's pretty funny. Every time I finish a set I'm just so happy! I'm also enjoying that he cut the sessions down to two a day instead of 3...

Super news!

2010-05-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Had my last Phys. Ther. visit today... he said I'm doing GREAT! Getting strong & have very little pain.
Got up to the 60 reps a day this weekend, so he's cut the daily exericise sessions down to two instead of three; and also given me additional ones to do as per usual, and to start adding weights.
AND, I can use the cane sometimes for short distances instead of the crutch, or walker. Woohoo!

The hip rotations I do are feeling pretty normal now, no more blank spot at the new joint. And my incision's healed up very nicely...

I'm folllowing instructions practially to the letter, I'm a very good patient. And it's working out great!

2010-05-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Whew, going out the last couple of nights to see my classes made me really tired. I was dragging when I got home last night. Not used to sitting up that long. I expect next week'll be better...

Am working on getting my reps up on my exericises before my PT comes back next week. He's pretty relaxed and doesn't push me, but I want to give him a good report anyway.

Dance club meeting tonight but at least that's at home & I can chill in the recliner -

Back to class tonight....

2010-05-05T05:18:00.000-07:00

Well I've been out of the loop for 3 weeks today and am excited about going back to classes this week, two tonight & two tomorrow night. I have wonderful subs & helpers doing the physical part of it for me, but I can't wait to see what's been happening while I've been gone. The student's annual Recital is only two & a half months away!
Of course I'm not driving yet, so am depending on getting rides from people. Only a few more weeks of that...
I'm also looking forward to a cookout this weekend at the horse farm where I take (took) lessons, I've missed the horses so much, can't wait to see them. Rain or shine, I'll be there this weekend! Being able to use either the crutch or walker makes it easy.
My physical therapist says I'm doing really well and I'm pretty sure he's being straight with me, he doesn't seem like a BS-er. I'm not quite up to all the reps I'm supposed to do every day but almost. I think by his next visit I'll be doing it all just like I'm supposed to - but honestly, 20 reps 3 times a day was a bit too much up to now, because I usually stop when I feel any discomfort.

Keeping on keeping on

2010-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

The physical therapist keeps giving me new exericises every visit but I can hardly do as many reps as he suggests... he also said I can use one crutch at times during the day when I feel like it. And also add a bit of walking outside.
But it's amazing how tired I am at the end of the day after these pitiful few exercises and a short walk out to (almost) the end of the driveway...
The swelling's gone down a lot on my hip, and the little butterfly stickers on the incision are starting to come off on their own; I still cover it at night to keep myself from scratching it accidentally as it itches quite a bit sometimes... and I'm wearing the weird leg pillow every night and sleeping on my back exclusively, which doesn't bother me as I do that anyway.

Sitting here at the desk is not so comfortable so can't do much computer work. How handy would a laptop be right now! But I'm enjoying my "time off"!

Not much pain either, the occasional twinge, and a little muscle soreness after exercising... couple of Tylenol's a day and that's it.

Starting just a few bellydance movements...

2010-04-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Three nights ago I resumed (very gingerly) the chakra isolations we do in the Intermediate classes. I like to do them laying in bed before going to sleep so that's what I did. In the lower two of course I started very very small the first night, almost just mentally. Last night, the third night, I enlarged the circular isolation a bit and noticed that I felt like a "blank spot" or a missing part of the circle at the new hip joint. Interesting!

Of course no dancing per se, as the Dr. ordered, for another month at least... when I go back I'll quiz him in detail about movements done in place and see if he'll allow that. I can understand why he wouldn't want me traveling about the floor... but maybe dancing in place will be allowed.

Here's more info on using chakra isolations in bellydance:

"By performing balanced isolations at each of the 7 chakras we can stimulate, clean up, and begin regulating our energy flow." - Shakti: http://www.cinnamon-phoenix.com/manifesto.html

almost two weeks since surgery

2010-04-27T13:08:00.001-07:00

Dr. took the staples out yesterday then (or rather the nurse did), then told me no driving for another month. Bummer. Other than that things are going great, physical therapists coming out twice a week with new exercises each time... and pain is minimal.

Stopped taking the hydrocodone a few days ago, really didn't like the dreams or digestion issues that went with it. Tylenol Arthritis is doing me just fine. And no more blood thinner shots, did the last one today, thank goodness. I hated giving myself shots ick!

The incision is 6 inches long and curved around my hip a bit. I might upload a photo if it's not too gross to look at....

I'm getting around the house fine with a walker, just being slow and careful and following all the rules. P.T. says we're going to a crutch next week as it's better for gait readjustment.

2010-04-20T13:18:00.003-07:00

z Av?=????{?? ??t?Y?n??u??,??@I??\f???r?? ????<?v??o? $??Acv9?v????:?>??o?=,'??o?Y v??o?i ??t49? ??rz DG???i??b??i?? ???p??N ???q t.??

2010-04-20T13:18:00.001-07:00

z i? ?~??.

2010-04-17T13:46:00.001-07:00

Now back at home... doing a bunch of new exercises including deep breathing ones. Getting around with a walker great, looking forward to a shower tomorrow...

Think happy thoughts!

2010-04-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

Two days to go until surgery. I'll be glad to get my “hip job” but at the same time I'm nervous about the anesthesia and immediate recovery. Not much I can do about it though. I'm still trying to be happy and excited. hmmm

My hip still hurts a bunch, so I'm still using a crutch most of the time. I do walk around without it, to get some housework done etc., but after an hour of that it ends up pretty sore. Doing a couple of rounds of those special exercises for my leg every day also adds to the soreness. Am taking a double dose of Tylenol arthritis twice a day.

I went to my usual horse lesson Sunday just to visit my favorite horse, hand graze him, and then lunge him a little bit, something new I'm learning. This is a perfect opportunity, since I can't ride right now. I'm not real good at it, but at least it gives me something to do horse-wise. I'm really going to miss my “barn time” until I can get over there again in the car.

I'm pretty close to having everything done that I wanted to have done before this “leave of absence”. My performing group's done the two shows we had scheduled; I've met or chatted with my teaching substitutes, one last sub meeting. I've prepared & given them class plans and related class materials. My students are all so supportive and encouraging it really helps set my mind at rest.

I keep going back to http://dancerhips.com/stories.html - especially Kathryn Cardy's story which is so inspiring to me as she's so detailed about her recovery – as well as a much more entertaining writer than I am. However, sitting upright is painful after a while, so I sprinkle in reading with my office work before I have to get up. That's the pattern of my days here for the past month or so: a little of this, a little of that, and then a couple hours of reclining while the pain subsides. Very odd after being so active. I'm sure my stamina & muscle strength is decreasing loads, but I hope that turns around after my surgery.

So today we're off to pick up the contraptions (walker, shower chair, etc.) I'll need when I get home. Also we'll be putting a twin mattress on top of my side of the bed to raise it up higher, as they have freaked us out about how, after the surgery, I'm not supposed to bend my hip more than 90 degrees or it could dislocate. That doesn't sound like fun at all.

Happy thoughts!

Further-back Story

2010-04-04T05:28:00.000-07:00

Reading the beginning of this makes it sound like the horse fall did me in, but that was really a blessing in disguise since it made me get xrays. My leg was getting too weak and making my body go off-kilter so I couldn't balance. The right side of my back had locked up, and my right knee kept hurting – and all the Dr.s could talk about was my hip – so I hope that once my hip is replaced, the other issues are resolved too. Maybe it IS all from my hip, who knows.
My poor right hip was my “standing hip” meaning I'd stand on it while using my left hip – most bellydancers use one or the other more often - I was left-hipped. So the right hip was grinding away supporting my weight most of the time. Then the long drives home after dancing up in the city night after night, no stretching or icing, just straight to bed (of course I washed my face!). Turns out that's a recipe for arthritis. Young dancers, take note!

Knowing I'll be “on holiday” for a couple of weeks makes me feel like I've got so much to get done now. Am still trying to nail it all down: getting the next PRISM show squared away; scheduling my sub/helpers for classes; doing our taxes; Zaghareet article; fitting in my horse activities & commitments; housework and laundry too? Geez. I'm hobbling along on a crutch dragging laundry baskets – LOL! Finally was able to get down on all fours & clean the kitchen floor, first time in weeks. Nice, that.
Also have a bunch of new exercises for my leg... those are REALLY making my hip freaking sore.. and Tylenol's not cutting it.... I'll try a little Advil today too & see if that makes a difference.

A Bellydancer's THR* Experience

2010-04-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

*that's Total Hip Replacement, kids!

I'm not into the blogging thing. But I found so little on THR online - from a bellydancer's perspective - that I'm making myself blog this. You're welcome!

Backstory:
March 2010
On March 5 this year I fell (or actually, slid) off a horse while trying to dismount, and wrenched my right leg pretty good. The next day I decided to get xrays because it really, really hurt - I couldn't put any weight on the leg, and any movement at all was excruciating. Of course it was the weekend, so I went to Urgent Care and got xrays done there (talk about pain! Wow – lying on that table had me in tears). But then they gave me a nice shot that mellowed me out, and scrips for more meds & crutches. I was really blessed that my daughter-in-law & her hubby were in town so they could drive me around to do all this stuff. What a fun day for them!

Thank goodness, nothing was broken but both my knee & hip continued to be very very sore. The next week I went to my regular Doctor and when she saw the xrays she sent me to an Orthopedic specialist a few days later.
So by then it's been almost two weeks & I'm still on crutches. More xrays... then the Dr. comes in to ask me did I want them to bring my husband in from the waiting room? I said no, thanks. Dr. says, usually we do, I said that's OK, I'm fine, what is it? He puts a titanium hip joint in my hand and says, “You need a total hip replacement.”

I'm speechless, nothing new for me really, but I was totally shocked. Almost immediately I felt a sense of loss for my hip, as I appreciate my body greatly and all it's done for me over the years. Maybe that's a dancer thing? But I honestly have been very aware, and very thankful, of my body, its abilities, and what it's been able to do onstage. So to hear part of it needed replaced with a piece of metal was a bit much.

I can't really remember the exact order of the rest of the doctor visit, but at some point the nurse tried to schedule me for surgery the next week! Okay, let's slow down a bit. How about next month instead? Good grief!

So I signed on for the surgery to be done April 14; time enough to get the two shows done that my performing group already had scheduled. The nurse loaded me up with pamphlets and brochures etc. etc. The Dr. asks if I had any questions, I couldn't really think of what to ask at that point except, well how do you go to the bathroom? LOL! To his credit Dr. O'brien answered me like that's the most usual thing to wonder about. Score points for Dr. O'brien. One thing I do remember is when he's looking at the xrays and says, “Your right hip looks like you're 80 years old.” Yeah, that's something I won't forget.

APRIL 1 2010
Getting surgery is quite the participatory experience these days. Last week my husband & I went to the mandatory class at the hospital to learn more about how to deal with it, what's gonna happen then and afterwards, etc.. The nurse showed us all the gadgets, contraptions, and gear we'll be using while I recuperate and begin to walk with the new hip.

My good and long-time friend Donna and her husband Dave (who's had both hips replaced) even offered to have me come and stay with them after surgery. They also offered use of the special gear they have left over from Dave's surgeries. What awesome friends! I really was glad to talk to Dave and find out what his experience was like, because all the Dr. & nurses would say is, “it's different for everyone” - not really so helpful.

Finding anything on THR from a dancer's perspective was even harder. This particular site, http://www.dancerhips.com was a great find, with a lot of personal stories by athletes and dancers (mostly ballet and modern); I corresponded with the website owner/author and one of the dancers who'd written about her experience; they were both very supportive and encouraging.
The website owner said I should write about my experiences when I told her how little I'd found about THR from a bellydancer's perspective - so that's why I'm writing this.
I know there must be many bellydancers using metal hips! I'd really like to hear from them. It would be encouraging to others who must go through this as well.