Well I must hate my feet, given that I’ve chosen to torture them. Spent all weekend dancing ballroom (stepped on someone doing Bolero) and now I’ve opted at the last possible minute to do my pointe act tonight. Of course my feet hurt! Of course I should stop being stupid and pick a different routine. Of course, I love challenging myself and the thrill of success, so hears to hoping I don’t end up in agony before I hit the stage.
Tonight I’ll be on stage at: The Luvely Rae’s One Night Stand, 249 Eldridge Street, NYC. 8:30pm start.
I had a ton of fun on Saturday shimmying in Manhattan a few lovely ladies at my Belly Dance Striptease Workshop. Anyone who knows me and has watched a Belly Dance performance with me, knows that I am quick to tell you what I don’t like. Some people consider this snobbish on my part. Any trained professional should be able to look at the work of another artists and comment on the work (not necessarily the artist). Ballet Dancers, Ballroom Dancers, Painters, heck even Plastic Surgeons (I know I used to work for one), can look at another artist and break down the artwork for good or for bad. I remember holding auditions for a Belly Dancer and seeing dozens of American Cabaret and American Tribal Belly Dancers. It seemed like one of the longest auditions in the world. Come on, if you’ve shown up early to a Salsa dance party and taken the free lesson, should you now consider yourself a Salsa master? I hope not. There was one dancer that stood out. Excellent Technique, beautiful, and energetic. Heck, I was so amazed I got out of my seat and started dancing with her. That was how I met, Kristi Angel Gabrielle. If you can’t book me for an event, then book her. You won’t be disappointed. Talking to students on Saturday about the various styles of Belly Dancing (my training is in Egyptian Cabaret/ Raq Sharqi, Ghwaneeze, and some Turkish Cabaret), left me longing for more shimmying in my life. There are some amazing Belly Dancers in New York like Kristi and I can’t wait to meet more of them. I am also pleased to announce that I’ll be lending my “critical eye” to more Belly Dance Classes, so if you missed Saturday’s workshop then don’t worry, because there will be more before the end of February.
Looking to train your “belly dance” critical eye? Check out these modern performances:
I love, Egyptian belly dancer, Dina’s emotion in this video. Not to mention, she’s fully clothed and you can still see her precise movements!
Turkish belly dancer Tanyeli gives a high energy performance
This video of Tais is great! I love her speed. Apparently she’s New York based and studied with Dina. Tais performs Egyptian cabaret style or Raqs Sharqi.
Don’t worry, I’m not giving up Burlesque! Afterall, this was a “Belly Dance Striptease” workshop. I’ll be taking it off again on Thursday February 16th at Stand Up and Take Your Clothes Off @ Bower Poetry Club. 10pm.
I’ll be doing 2 fun Pre-Valentine’s Day workshops on February 11th and February 12th.
February 11th is NYC.
February 12th will be in Sea Cliff, NY pending the number of interested students.
Classes are “Striptease for lovers” and “Belly Dance Striptease”. These classes are for women only and make a great Valentine’s Day gift(sorry boys, but you can still buy a gift certificate for your loved one).
Both classes blend sexiness and playfulness. For more details visit: Fit and Fab Studios
Hope to see you there!
kisses,
Rae
P.S.
I’m performing in 2 shows on February 7th. It’s a great chance to get an idea of what the weekend class will look like.
I am not a Valetine’s day person, but I do welcome any opportunity to celebrate that crazy little thing called “love”. Here’s how I’m planning to get into 28 days of the big “L”. If you’re in new york, then here’s a few places you can come celebrate with me.
10pm, February 3rd, 2012
performing at Hypergender Burlesque
The Theme is Passion. I’m a passionate person. So many ideas. So little fabric.
I love that I get to start the evening shaking it with some really fabulous ladies. Sake Fevah, Apathy Angel, Miss Firstbase Fannie, and La Maia. Yes, I’ll be giving out hugs and kisses as has become tradition.
10pm, February 7th, 2012
performing at Geek Girls Burlesque Valetine’s Day show
Classic Pinup Style burlesque show.
10pm, February 16th, 2012
performing at Stand Up and Take Your Clothes Off
This is a great evening of female comedians and female burlesque performers. Not to be missed.
