Mommy and Me Belly Dance

Photo by Ryan Arrington

The picture above is my daughter and me as "Snake Charmers" for Khafif's Circus themed Halloween Hafla this past weekend. Since this is such a fun-themed show, I thought I'd take advantage of the family-friendly vibe and include my 6 month old daughter in this performance. The snake skin printed fabric is actually formed into a baby sling. My husband gets much credit for helping to execute the sling and matching baby costume for this show! Since I can't do much sewing with the baby actually on me most of the time, I designed, cut out and finished everything, but he hand sewed the "snakes" and did most of the "middle part" of the baby costume sewing. Because it has been super busy around here (and it would be with just the baby), the costume making primarily happened the day of the show.  Hooray for experience and last minute pressure/determination/teamwork making it all happen!!

This was a fun experience for the chance to include my daughter, the circus theme challenging my creativity (what _would_ actually work with a 6 month old on my hip?), and another chance to see the lovely people in the Pittsburgh belly dance community. It's a true bunch of gems here and I'm so grateful to be a part of it. <3

Circus Performance tomorrow in Pittsburgh, PA

Tomorrow, I am performing at the circus themed Halloween hafla (party) put on by Khafif Music and Dance.  My partner is quite charming- you should definitely come out to see us. We've asked for an early spot, so don't miss it! :)

This promises to be a really fun evening, full of quality performances brimming with creativity. Belly Dance + Circus + Halloween = really really good time.  

Doors open at 6:30. Show starts at 7:00. 

"Doors open at 6:30.

Show starts at 7pm. 

Open dancing to the fabulous beats of Khafif. Please stick around and dance, eat, socialize and get your fortune read. 

We will have gemstone readings from the magnificant Michael Mykita and balloon animals for the kids by donation by the Marvelous Morgiana BellyDance. Please tip well :-) These will be available after the show. 

$5 at the door. Refreshments and snacks provided. BYOB if inclined. Kids 12 and under are free. 

Kid friendly. Costumes encouraged!

Wilkins School Community Center

7604 Charleston Ave

Swissvale, PA" 

Belly Dance Flash Mob in Pittsburgh, PA

photo by Erin Lasswell

Wow!!! If I had known earlier that this was happening and it would not have totally ruined the surprise, I would have mentioned this here beforehand. Oh, and since every single minute was completely full before then, it just was not going to happen.  But, you get to see the results here! 

So, I got a message at 1:00am proposing I get together 10 dancers for a belly dance flash mob for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Gallery Crawl a week later.  Now, I have been a solo artist for a long time- an improvising solo artist. And with a teething 5 month old, a 6 year old and a husband scheduled to go out of town 2 of those days before the performance, this idea all sounded a bit impossible. Get something choreographed, find enough dancers available on short notice and willing to practice the way one needs to to have something performance ready in a matter of days?  No... just, no. But, something kept telling me, "Just say 'Yes'." So, I said yes. And even though I was gone and busy most of Saturday, I got the song picked out and choreographed and had gathered enough pro dancers by Sunday night. And I chose so well! I mean, just look at them! See how beautifully they move? This choreography was ready! It was an amazing and inspiring experience and I am feeling really empowered about accepting challenges despite the odds. These ladies were so fun to work with!! Annie Cothran, Susan Unsuk Goelz, Kate Stapleton, Maqui Ortiz, Sarah Orris, Jenn Senn and Jennifer Jemeena M are the lovely and talented dancers who joined me. 

If you would like to join me for classes, they start October 10th.  Classes will run Thursdays 6:30-7:30 until November 21st. No class October 31st, of course. It's Halloween!!! :D The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Education Center (805-807 Liberty Ave. Downtown Pittsburgh) is the location of the classes. The studio is absolutely gorgeous and easy to get to. Parking is very accessible in the parking garage practically across the street at 9th street in the "Smithfield/Liberty" parking garage.