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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Cabin Fever Bellydance

Ah, winter in Virginia.
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 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 instagram. In 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! 

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 Better Hands and Arms in Bellydance, to add to my Playlist of "Best Bellydance Tips". 

Diagonal Arms

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! 
So because I was stuck in the house today, here's my latest endeavor in the world of bellydance:

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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