lotsa dancing going on

Dancing gives you wings!

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.
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.

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 Tribal Cafe where I was able to do my Layali pop solo again. Here's a short clip, courtesy of Siyala:

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. 

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. 

This event is heavily 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 able to dance for them was such a blessing, I was on Cloud Nine! 

Here's to more of the same as we go into fall: dancing, friends, and community. 

Yours in dance, 

Anthea Kawakib
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the "Fifi" is back!

The return of those moves... 

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!
This show marked my return to "real dancing" - 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.
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 Side-Step with Shimmy, and of course, the very delicious "Fifi move"! 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.
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!
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!

And I'm so happy to have this one back, the lovely and delicious "Fifi move".

Please share with anyone who's wondering about dancing after hip surgery!
Anthea Kawakib
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into 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.
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.

horse shows are fun too! 

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.
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!
Next week I'm returning to the downtown Fredericksburg stage 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.
This particular show, "Reflections On The Veil" 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.
Cheers!
Anthea Kawakib

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I 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?

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!

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!).
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"!!

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!!

Anthea Kawakib

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back to dancing!

Next up: more dancing!

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.
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.

Recent Appearances

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.

Fairuza, Anthea, Galiyah; inset: with Siyala 

It's a busy Spring of dancing, and I love it! 

Anthea Kawakib

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Anthea's hips are working again

Dancing again makes me so HAPPY!

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 see Anthea's hips are working again." That made me laugh!
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!"
Getting this first post-op performance 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: 

Anthea does an improv solo at the Hafla

NEXT: More dancing in store!

I'm super excited 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. 
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. I'm SO happy Ravia invited me! Not only do I get to dance, but my dancers will be with me too. I'm absolutely intoxicated with anticipation! 

Anthea Kawakib

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new 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!

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.
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.

My biggest excitement: dancing at the hafla!

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!
We always enjoy Kabab City restaurant - the staff, food, hookah, and spacious dance floor; not to mention to colorful and beautiful atmosphere.

My students and I danced and enjoyed guest performers. 

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 East Coast Classic weekend bellydance festival. It was great to get out and dance, and enjoy time with my wonderful students and friends. 
I'm so happy to be able to dance again! 

good to meet dancers Zyzy and Lulu!

Nadira and I enjoying hookah and libations

Anthea Kawakib

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an awesome week ends an awesome month!

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. 

cancel Thursday, I'm good!

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. 
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! 
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! 
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 War of the Wings; several Tribal Odyssey dancers will be there and I'll be able to dance too! 
Then next month I'm hosting a hafla with my dance group, and I'm even dreaming of solo dancing - how amazing would THAT be! Every single day I thank God I was able to get my hip replaced - to go from disabled to dancing is like a miracle. 
I'm REALLY looking forward to dancing in classes this week! I've also been thinking of doing another short video for my Best Belly Dance Tips playlist, on "hand and arm movements", while I wait for my hips to get back in shape. I'm so happy! 
Anthea Kawakib
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Tomorrow, people!

Tomorrow, people!

At this time tomorrow I'll have a sweet new hip - YAY!

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
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!

And on the horizon...

What I'm looking forward to now is seeing everybody at my Hip Hafla fundraiser! Got a pretty flyer done at least, but my PRISM Dancers will have to do some of the organizing... I'm excited!

See you on the other side!

Anthea Kawakib
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Concrete - not a dancer's friend

   Our latest show was for the local college, the University of Mary Washington. They have a wonderful focus on the arts and on Multiculturalism, producing a Fair each year with vendors, food, entertainment, and other activities. When the weather's nice enough the Fair is held outside on the beautiful campus. What that means for us is dancing on concrete - cement.
   I was really happy to do a lot of dancing in this show though, including in two of our more energetic routines, the Tambourine Dance, and the 9/8 Skirt Dance. Both these numbers are inspired by Dalia Carella's Dunyavi Gypsy style and add a lot of flash to our shows. Check out the photo of me doing a hopping turn - that's something you won't see me do very often!

A hopping, skirt-flaring turn!

   PRISM is a real melting pot of influences in the Middle Eastern dance department. We included a few Egyptian numbers too - one dance inspired by the Reda Troupe in their heyday, when Farida Fahmy was their principal dancer; as well as a classic Raks Sharki drum solo; and I also did my modern Egyptian pop number, "Layali" (radio edit), sung by Angham. My dancers love their basket dance so we threw that one in too, as it represents North African dancing. We finished with a short set of American Tribal Odyssey bellydancing (follow the leader) with finger cymbals and veils.
   It was quite a fast-paced show, with high group participation in many of the numbers and very little emceeing on my part so we had to keep costume changes to a minimum. Some shows are like that! After all that dancing on cement though, it took my body several days to recover - I'm glad I have an inversion table to get the kinks out! Other than that, it was super fun!

We like to squeeze together even when there's plenty of room!

   The university's James Farmer Multicultural Center is a great asset to the community. I'm thrilled and honored to have been a part of their activities (this was the seventh year PRISM danced at the Fair, I think), and so grateful my dancers are dedicated and reliable. I really enjoy them - they're not divas or show-offs; they bring a great spirit and energy to our shows, and seem to sincerely wish to simply share the beauty of belly dance with others. -hugs-

Anthea / Kawakib
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Teach, rest... Perform!

Another milestone: this past weekend was my first out-of-town workshop and show since my hip replacement. It's been a long four years!

I love how this photo from the show Saturday (in Charlottesville VA) captures how I feel when I'm dancing - special thanks to Kathleen for sharing it with me.

Doing it Old School!

One of my former Charlottesville belly dance students (I taught down there for 10 years before moving to Fredericksburg) swooped in after my morning class and carried me off to her lovely studio oasis so I could rest in between teaching and performing in the evening show. We ate, chatted, and napped! Yabani Cicek (Lou) is well-known locally for her classic American bellydance, the style that prevailed here prior to the "Egyptian invasion" of the 1980's. She battles Parkinsons with bellydancing, keeping active, fit, and busy in the community by performing in local shows in Charlottesville and the nearby capital city of Richmond. Kisses to Lou!

Another "blast from the past" is the costume I decided to wear, a lace jumpsuit I made at least 20 years ago. It's the only piece I have left from a 1940's-style costume I made that was inspired by photos of Tahia Carioca. I'm surprised it's holding up after so long - AND that it fits!

It's funny how bellydance goes through stylistic phases... we used to complain about shows being one "cabaret" dancer after another. But this past weekend my Egyptian oriental number ("Layal"), a traditional Raks Sharki entrance piece, stood out as the oddball in the show's lineup of Tribal Fusion, American Interpretive, and Vaudeville! Although some might think of my style as the "safe" choice, the same-old same-old bellydancing, all I can say is: THAT dancing is ME; that's the music I like, that's how it makes me feel, and that's how it makes me dance. And I think audiences probably enjoy seeing a variety of styles and hearing different kinds of music... at least, I hope so!

Anthea / Kawakib
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each dance is a further step to recovery

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
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HipMix interview about my recovery from THR

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

- Anthea / Kawakib
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Getting my Dance on!

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)
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shimmy shimmy shake!

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.

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!

  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)

Shaking the new hip around...

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