Notes from Aslahan

… was another one of those warm, wonderful nights where the whole place feels like one family. The ensemble of musicians consisted of Mike Gregian, Hagop Garabedian, and Arthur Sperou – they played a really lovely Turkish set for me. I had a couple of tables of friends there, including some of my students, and the two tables closest to the stage held a Persian group and a group that was a combination of Irish and Israeli. Their enthusiasm for the music and appreciation of the dancing gave me that synergistic energy boost that brings out the best in a dancer – you other performers know what I’m talking about.  🙂  It gives me more to give back in turn to my audience. The band made sure to play some songs from Israel and Persia, resulting in smiles and dancing all around. Even the young boy and the baby girl with one group got up on the dance floor to stamp their feet.

Nights like these are a huge part of why I dance. They embody what music and dance are all about.

… as my old software-geek self would say.  🙂  I’ve secured a dance slot at Rakkasah East this year. I’ll be dancing Saturday afternoon around 4:30 to the music of Scott Wilson’s band Efendi. For the uninitiated, Rakkasah East is a huge Middle Eastern dance festival in New Jersey, with workshops, performances of all styles from dancers around the globe, and absolutely unbelievable shopping opportunities. If you go, be sure to say hello if you see me!

Starting 8/2 I will be teaching an advanced bellydance technique class in Arlington, MA. If you can already undulate, hip drop, and shimmy, but would like to refine your technique, add some layering, and improve your improv skills, this class might be for you.

http://www.tashkin-rhythms.com/aslahan/classes.html for more info…

I’ve given our website a much-needed facelift. Check it out:

http://www.tashkin-rhythms.com/

Yesterday I was privileged to both perform at and MC the NH NBDA’s 2nd annual Hot Hips, Cool Chicks event. Despite some technical issues with both the A/V and the AC, this event was a blast. We had everything from troupes making their performance debut, all the way up to seasoned professional dancers, as well as the Fred Elias Ensemble playing for two of the three performance sections.

I wish I’d been able to spend more time watching the dancers (I do a lot of running around locating performers and confirming details) but what I saw was a lovely collection of styles, all danced with joy. Haflas are such a great way for “baby” dancers to get their feet wet performing in a supportive environment. For those of us who have been dancing for a while, they are a good way to meet new dance friends and reconnect with old ones, as well as just plain fun.

Thank you, Ayla and Zahira, for putting together this show! I’m already looking forward to the next one.

Ayla, Zahira and I danced last night at the Athenian Corner to honor the birthday of the incomparable Freddie Elias. It was hot. I mean hot. Thank goodness for ice water and folding fans. But it was a lovely celebration – the restaurant was packed with musicians and dancers, the atmosphere was festive, and the band was smokin’ as usual. Each dancer did a solo set, and then the three of us joined together at the finale to dance through the audience and pose for pictures with Freddie. I can safely say we all had a blast.

Freddie, we love you!

It seems the short clip of us dancing at Skellig taken by the local cable access guys is on youtube:

This place is like a second home to me. Friendly and comfortable, full of a generous spirit and a love of music.

The restaurant was not very full last night, but I thoroughly enjoyed dancing my set – some nights you’re just lost in the flow and happy to be alive and dancing, and this was one of them. There was a group there including some folks visiting from India, and their warm smiles lifted my performance. Later we even got them up for a bit of line dancing (Greek syrto).

Afterward came a special treat – turns out one of the ladies there is a singer from India, and with a little coaxing she stood and sang for us. She began a cappella, but as she began to snap we began to clap, one lady at her table got up to dance, and Mike Gregian began to supply soft accompaniment on the doumbek. It’s these moments that give life a touch of magic…  🙂

… well, sort of.

Zia of Tassellations had invited me to participate in this event, but sadly it was raining by the time we were scheduled to go on, and, it being an outdoor event, this was a problem (there were concerns about combining water and sound equipment). We were, officially speaking, canceled.

We were all in makeup and costume already, so Zia boldly went next door to Skellig and asked if we could invade the pub and dance there. So we did.  🙂

It turned out to be a really fun afternoon – many folks came in to see us and I believe we were even filmed for the local cable channel. Skellig was a nice space to dance in, and the folks working there were quite gracious. Many thanks to them for hosting us!

And to Tassellations – thanks so much for inviting me.