Dancers 35+'s topics - tribe.net

MaMa still has it =D

2008-06-23T02:11:26Z

I had committed to a performance for an Artists Openning Reception. Much to my dismay, I had just one of my student/dancer available to perform. To make a long story short, I put on my makeup, my costume, took a shot of vodka and I was ready to rock the house. And rock the house we did

During our performance, I found myself with a sword on my head, on my knees and all of the sudden, my back on the floor and my sword is still on my head! I have no idea how I did it, all I knew I had to get back up again and not lose the sword. I did it, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh. (doing the happy dance). I felt it the next day, my hips, and my lower back were complaining all day Sunday.

Gosh, when this "old" woman can do such a move and impress the heck out of one of my students, I just wanted to keep on dancing. LOL

I just wanted to share this story, you are never too old to dance!!!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 5 replies

X-post: One Crepey Eye

2008-06-20T07:36:53Z

Yes I have one crepey eye and it's crappy, er, crepey right above the upper eyelid and the skin between the lid and brow seem to be sagging a bit. And if knowing my age is helpful, I was born the year Kennedy was shot. I have one freakin' line on my entire face that's a smile line probably from 20 years of smoking (quit 13 years ago though) and I gotta go and end up with a craptacular crepey eye. =O)

I have been using the following without much success:

L'Oreal Eye Defense daily for over 1 year

Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pods first thing in A.M. but only if my eyes are puffy, since November

Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream nightly for about 6 or 8 weeks

I was putting eye shadow over eye cream but stopped because the color immediately sunk in to the crepe. "Can be used under makeup or alone" my eye! I have stopped my long time habit of applying shadow with an applicator and am learing to use a brush which seems to help at least in the a.m. but as the day wears on, down in to the crepe creeps the shadow.

Oh wait, there's one more wrinkle (ha ha) to the problem; my eyelids, inner corners and under the lower lash areas are O-I-L-Y with a capital Oi! so I must use a shadow base, Lancome actually, but am very careful not to bring that up too far and mix it in to the crepe.

This is so crappy, what can I do about my one eye that is crepey? =O)

Call me Crepey Suzette (but never call me late for dinner)

posted in Dancers 35+ - 3 replies

Just how far do I have to go?

2008-06-18T19:37:03Z

To lose that crappy sense of insecurity that makes me feel all competitive and bitchy?
I was never one of those "mean girl" types, I always could see the beauty in everyone and couldn't stand shallowness but lo and behold my inner bitch is NOT dead.

My recent days at Tribal Fest 8 woke up in me feelings of insecurity I thought I'd long ago conquered. I'm embarassed and horrifed and somewhat curious what it means that I as a supposedly enlightened being can still feel this kind of crap, even when I KNOW it''s crap.

I kept encountering moments of < " Oh I'll NEVER do that."" Never wear THAT, never look like THAT while doing that...etc" and instead of taking pride in what I CAN do, how well I make MY look work etc.I spent endless seconds lost in bitterness and jealousy. ICK! That's SO not me, but it is... Now I'm mad at myself for feeling this way, what a crappy spiral.

I roomed with two young and beautiful ladies that I dance with regularily. Never felt a moment's jealousy of them until this weekend getting ready for the afterparty. I felt underdressed, old and outta place and had completely unworthy thoughts like, "I can't wear clothes like that, that makes me angry and sad. I don't want to go anymore. I wanna hide here in the hotel and never show my old fat ass again. I should quit dancing, I look like a fool next to these girls, etc."

It took me by complete surprize. I'm still puzzling it out. Anyone get randon moments of weirdness like this?

Lav

posted in Dancers 35+ - 15 replies

OK, the grey....

2008-06-13T16:25:26Z

It is kind of an inquiry and post. It is about the grey hair that looks so awesome on some women...and the grey hair on me. I would dye my hair about once a year since I was 33, ( I will be 37 in August) Usually in the winter when I felt blah and some Mahogany would perk me up. Now I am not so sure.....I caught up with Amel Tafsout at Middle East Camp last year. ( As a note, I first met Amel when I was 23,she had shiny black hair, and did every year I saw her) This last season, she said "no more, I will be myself" in her accent. She had some salt and pepper extensions in her salt and pepper hair. She looked HOT! I am sure it is a comfort level thing, but do you feel dancers are respected/appreciated/ect.. if they let their grey show and grow?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 37 replies

started late!

2008-06-06T05:15:37Z

I thought you all might enjoy these old clips, especially since I started dancing "late", near age 30... in this 1988 clip I was already 33 -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hlw5xmyQtnI
and bellydancing keeps you young!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 8 replies

The $5 pants!

2008-05-29T12:01:12Z

We've all seen those fabulously hot Melodias
Soooo, what do you say to getting a $72 (plus S/H) for ONLY $5???
Check it!

Melodia Promo
www.beledibay.com/Win_Melos.html

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

Wearing glitter over age 35

2008-05-29T06:53:13Z

....do any of you wear glitter as part of your dance costume/makeup and have personal guidelines about how much to wear or where to wear it? I am planning to add it to my dance makeup routine and I don't want to look like a 12-year-old fairy princess. lmao.
I'm thinking of just using it as an eyeliner and to accent tattoos.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 13 replies

How old are you?

2008-05-25T12:08:17Z

The last time I lied about my age I was 16 trying to pass for 18. I am happy to be 45. Once when someone said "You don't look 45" (like 45 should be really old and wrinkly) I replied "Yes I do, this is what 45 looks like." That is a Gloria Steinem para phrase :)

posted in Dancers 35+ - 133 replies

Lying on the tribal counseling chair ....lol

2008-05-19T12:53:32Z

I am venturing out into this new phase of my life. I am very excited. Now I am receiving comments and even weird looks from some family members and friends. They think I am nuts. The younger ones think its cool. It’s my mother and Oma (grandma) who are telling me these things.

Is it just me? Did anyone get this? my EX and his ugly homewrecker are even making comments. In the back of my mind I know my ex thinks I look sexy now. LOL

My question is if anyone has experienced negative reactions in the beginning. I think maybe once they get use to it they will leave it alone. If they stop and think about it I have always been creative, hyper and a bit different. In my opinion they shouldn’t be surprised.

Some may know I make things and sell them online. No one had a problem with that in the family. Now that I am dancing .. suddenly I am not doings things in a proper order for my age.

Its 3am and I missed my welbutrin today... so I hope I am making sense. lmao

posted in Dancers 35+ - 22 replies

Workshop cancelled!

2008-05-09T09:15:43Z

Fire fan workshop cancelled!
( http://tampa.tribe.net/event/BellyFire-Fusion/dunedin-fl-34698/c98ca5f4-d8cb-4b28-99a7-4d94b1f3e6c9

I'm very sorry to have to announce the cancellation of this event.
I've just been informed that one of the presentors (the one who was to instruct the choreography portion of the workshop) has accepted a conflicting engagement.

I will be refunding the workshop fee to those of you that have paid already. Please contact me if you have already purchased your fire fans from Riz, and we will see what can be done there as well.

Deepest apologies
~ Chandra ~

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

Who here is peri-menopausal?

2008-05-07T15:19:15Z

And what are you experiencing due to the insane hormonal fluctuations? Any tips on how to deal the with the symptoms of peri-menopause?

I'll start off by saying my body has become so unpredictable over the past 3 years. My menses have been anywhere from 15 days apart to 29 and the fatigue. Oh the fatigue....zzz.
And the cramps that I had everytime, including the first time, but went away when I was on the pill no longer respond to my herbal regime. For the record, I have no children but had a pregnancy in my early 30s that was a miscarriage.

Here's what I take:
Starting at day 12, once daily Dong Quai root 450 mg.
Starting at day 15, once nightly combo pill including Cramp Bark, Valerian root and Black Cohosh.
On the first day of menses Black Cohosh capsules 540 mg each taken as needed, probably up to 2160 mg per day and also continuation of the combo pill above at night.

In addition I take the necessary vitamins and minerals every day including magnesium which is supposed to work as pain reducer.

Can anyone offer other solutions? Let's have a dialog of our experiences because I for one believe there is still a serious lack of understanding by the scientific community of how womens bodies truly function. Praise the genius who finally figured out weren't really aren't smaller versions of men! Um, hello? Do I have a prostate hiding somewhere no one told me about? =O)

Happy Spring all you Goddesses!
Caerann

posted in Dancers 35+ - 78 replies

Are you ever too old to dance?

2008-05-02T16:46:54Z

I am a new member to this tribe. I just turned 58 and have been dancing since my daughter was 18 months old and she turns 30 in 2 weeks. Dance keeps me limber and hopefully thinner than I would be if I didn't dance at all, although the middle fat has been a gathering since I passed menopause.

Is there an age when a bellydancer should hang up her finger cymbals?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 24 replies

HI waving

2008-04-02T02:08:46Z

I just joined....I'll be turning 38 next month. I've been dancing for about 3 years, and have fallen in love with the dance and everything about it...especially the silk.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 11 replies

Rules to live by?

2008-04-01T00:27:12Z

I can see that now that I'm past 40, I need to take care of myself more consciously. I've been trying to figure out how... do any of you have useful rules for maintaining physical/spiritual/emotional health?

Here's what I've got so far:
- laugh every day
- move my body for an hour a day
- no sugar before 7 pm (hah! still working on that one)
- seek pleasure, avoid stress

posted in Dancers 35+ - 14 replies

What about older, but still considered 'cute'?

2008-03-30T23:32:51Z

Hi,

I am 36 years old. I have one of those CUTE faces. I think I will look enternally young, which is a-okay with me (heck I still get carded for being alcohol!) but I don't pull off sexy very well becuase of it.

I am fortunately married to a wonderful man who loves me for who I am (maybe even moreso than I love myself sometimes - at least he is far more accepting!) but becuase I am "cute" I sometimes feel like I have trouble getting people to accept me as a mature woman.

Anyone else with this issue?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 27 replies

Help --- crone type dancer needs makeup tips !

2008-02-24T06:03:26Z

Hi all --- I'm dancing at Rakkasah with my class in March and need some serious stage makeup advice. I'm 63, with silver platinum hair, and very little in the way of lashes and eyebrows. Any tips for us older, crinkly ones ?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 2 replies

when they say "face it your 55"

2008-02-12T16:55:08Z

Now I have been pre menapausal before it had a name (to my knowlege,) been menapausal and I am not sure if I am done even yet...some days I wonder IF it ends really.
BUT the point of this post is...I am really tired of doctors who tell me that I should face the fact that I am 55 years old and I need to accept limitations. I go in looking for ways to improve, or solutions, to body aches and pains and this is what I get told. Recently I had a doctor tell me to face it I am 55 and Belly Dancing is probably not in my future anymore. I don't expect to do backbends or some of the more agillity related moves but darn I do want to keep moving! When I ask what modifications I can do to prolong my ability to dance I am asking for solutions in the terms of positive feedback.
I have a back injury, the disk is not healthy...but the parts work and move. I have pain...I can get rid of the chronic ache with surgery. All I asked was what should I limit my movements to ( post operative) to continue to dance. Literally his first question was, "How old are you?" followed by, " Lets face it your 55, I don't see dance in your future" I came home and I cried for three days...then I got angry. I know that there are ladies out there who dance with this problem (back) AND after they have surgeries to correct the pain problem,
Why do doctors act like Belly Dance is a "pleasant pass time for middle aged women" and it is as easy to give up (and as unimportant) as wearing shorts when you have varicose viens?
Because I have been "emotional" for such a long time (menapause etc...) I am not sure if I am being crazy and over-reacting ...has anyone else experienced this behavior/attitude and does anyone else feel the same way about it as I do?
I believe that anyone can dance, and if they have problems they can learn to dance around them. Yeah maybe I shouldn't Layer my moves as much anymore. I am confused and uncertain and I am angry about what this surgeon said...some real and practical feed back would be appreciated right now. I have done the chiro, I have done the physical therapy, I am tired of hurting but I want to keep dancing. Am I making sense?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 25 replies

Upcoming Photo Shoots In Various Cities

2008-02-04T14:24:14Z

My traveling studio is coming from Los Angeles to these cities soon….

February 9th - Fullerton, CA – GOTHLA (a belly dance event) - www.gothla.com
February 17th, 18th & 19th - Minneapolis
February 20th, 21st & 22nd - Austin, Texas
March 14th, 15th & 16th – Chicago
March 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st – Albuquerque, New Mexico
April 4th & 5th - Freehold, NJ
April 7th & 8th - New York City
April 10th, 11th & 12th - Washington, DC
April 26th – Newbury Park, CA - Tribal Caravan (a belly dance event) - www.TribalCaravan.com
September 11th, 12th, 13th – Seattle, WA
September 20th, 21st, 22nd – Detroit, Michigan

I specialize in musicians, fire performance and belly dance photography but I also love to shoot families, all forms of dance, fashion, weddings and all kinds of events.

Examples of belly dance shoots are at this link…
http://tribes.tribe.net/pixievision/thread/f80a19fc-0a62-4648-a448-5c46b25ef0cb

See my website for other examples of my work~ www.PixieVisionProductions.com

My rate for shooting is $250 per hour. Please email pixie@pixievisionproductions.com for more info~ :)

~Pixie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
pixie@pixievisionproductions.com
www.pixievisionproductions.com
mobile 818.512.8474
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://tribes.tribe.net/pixievision
http://www.myspace.com/pixieglittermeow
http://www.flickr.com/people/pixievision/
http://modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=97528
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

Skin care for aging skin

2008-01-18T19:10:22Z

Ok, I'm almost 38 and I'm seeing those awful wrinkles around my eyes! My skin isn't as firm as it used to be either. What do you all use as your daily skin care regimen?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 14 replies

What I'm doing for my 37th birthday...

2008-01-18T19:05:27Z

Ok, so here's my plans for my 37th birthday next week...
My sister and I are going to Placerville to visit this awesome bellydance shop (and also the girly boutique) :)
We're going to dinner with family and friends to the Marrakesh for Morroccan food and yes, more bellydancing!
I also joined a gym in honor of my renewed sense of well-being and desire to do healthier things for myself and I'm planning on having a blast!!!
Happy birthday to any other fellow Aquarians out there!!!
Tracy

posted in Dancers 35+ - 4 replies

eye wrinkles!

2007-12-19T18:18:53Z

the wrinkles around my eyes get worse as I am applying my eye makeup as the brushing pulls the skin. also, the powder and the cream both get in the groves of the wrinkles and makes them more pronounced.
any suggestions or help would be really really appreciated!
Thanks,
Stephnanie

posted in Dancers 35+ - 8 replies

Hi just joined the tribe

2007-11-15T23:20:05Z

MariJahne' aka MJ. Dance in FL. 55 this year. Been at it for 20 years maybe give or take a couple. I am a vocal person. I love to talk.
I pop in out...this one sounded like a good disscussion group. Hope to have lots of good word time here.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 11 replies

costumes

2007-11-03T02:12:24Z

Hello All!
I have some really pretty affordable costumes for sale
I have tribal cabaret and also wearable art
I can also make to your size (custom orders)
My pieces are one of a kind I can never really make the same exact costume
you may see my designs at
www.bellydancecostumesbytc.com
http://www.myspace.com/tccostumes
http://people.tribe.net/bellydancecostumesbytc
if you want to contact me for more info email me tcsdance@aol.com

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

X-POST: Big Beautiful Belly Dancer 2008 Calendar call for photos

2007-10-04T01:59:29Z

Greetings all belly dancing beauties!

Last winter, an idea was brought up to create a calendar featuring our big, beautiful, belly-dancer (BBBD) sisters and there was such a huge, positive response that this idea has become a reality!

The creative mindset behind this idea, BBBD Meghan, asked BBBD Kamala Devi to chair this project, and with the help of some very motivated BBBD sisters, we are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications from other BBBD sisters for the BBBD 2008 Calendar!

Click on the following link for additional information:

http://totallynortherntribal.com/BBBD.Calendar.htm

Please read all the information carefully and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, please send a Tribe PM to Calendar chairperson Kamala Devi.

The deadline for your application is July 31, 2008.

We are all looking forward to this project and are eager to see how the calendar turns out. We hope that this is successful enough to become an annual calendar.

Thanks everyone!

Kamala Devi and the BBBD 2008 Calendar Committee

DISCLAIMER: there is no connection between Totally Northern Tribal (TNT) and the BBBD 2008 Calendar. Calendar chairperson Kamala Devi, a member of TNT, linked off her TNT Member’s Page.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 5 replies

bad knees

2007-08-02T18:09:42Z

I just started teaching a new beginner's class -- I have 2 older women (late 50's) who have bad knees. One said she cannot bend her knees due to some sort of injury...I've always been taught you MUST bend your knees to bellydance. I've asked both of them to consult their doctor and/or physical therapist, but I thought I'd ask for any advice from the wise women here....

(cross posted in bellydance instructors, please excuse)

posted in Dancers 35+ - 13 replies

OMG so happy I found this tribe

2007-07-26T19:22:43Z

LOL ... I was starting to have serious issues with my age. I actually started thinking to myself.. "what are you thinking ?" This is very cool nice meeting all of you.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 7 replies

Fertility, parenting options and "the Change"

2007-07-10T16:56:03Z

Since I inadvertantly dragged another very good thread off-topic, I thought I'd bring it over to its own new thread.

I appreciate the questions and comments about my post regarding Peri-menopause, menopause, and my reactions to it. I think you've all made good points, and I feel much the same way, but here's a little background so you can understand my mixed feelings.

I was married for 9 years and wanted kids but the timing never seemed right. In the end, the husband wasn't right, and I'm glad we didn't have kids a the time. Although I could do it, and I think I'd be a good parent, I would never want to be a single mom (I think it's a HUGE thing and have nothing but respect for single parents), and always wanted to have a family with someone, but that someone hasn't shown up in my life so far, so I am where I am.

Most of the time, I feel okay with not being a mom, and with spending time with nieces and nephews or friends' kids. I put a lot of love and energy into my pets too. - and yes, I could foster or adopt a child, and I still maybut I've chickened out so far (much for the same reasons of taking on a lot of responsibility alone).

All that considered, the idea of my "pause" freaks me out. Not just about missed opportunities for having a baby, but for feeling less viable, less "girlish" and feeling like I'm missing opportunities. I know, it doesn't make any sense at all, but it all rolls into getting farther along in life and wanting a lot of things for my life. Before anyone gets upset, NO, I don't feel that way about other women who don't have kids, just myself.

I can deal, but there's just that little part of me that gets wistful. I'm not the only one feeling this way out here, am I?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 12 replies

Kismet at Cedar City

2007-07-02T23:37:59Z

Utah BD institution Kismet will be performing for the 25th straight year at the Utah Mid-summer Renaissance Faire for three days, on July 12, 13 ,14; for two shows, at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm, at the Cedar City Park on Main Street in Cedar City, Utah.

www.KismetDance.com

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

belly dance bra and belt for sale

2007-06-30T23:53:47Z

I have 3 costumes for sale
red and silver squin and beaded bra and belt
black beaded multi colored bra and belt
green lame' beaded bra and belt set with headd peice
you will see pic in my profile page 1 and 2
good prices
36-38 C/D

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

In praise of the $10 flip-flop

2007-06-29T15:44:18Z

So, all this summer I've been grumbling about how unhappy my feet are and how I can't find affordable sandals that work well for my fasciitis, and last night I discovered the $10 flip-flop at target. My feet are SO happy now! Apparently that nice foam rubber molds to the food just like birkenstocks and it feels like cushy heaven for me. I'm sure they won't last forever since they're cheap shoes, so I better stock up!!

Nahid, the happy-footed.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

Dancing and your Day Job

2007-06-28T21:34:08Z

Hello Everyone:

I'm seriously giving some thought to quitting my day job. Not to dance professionally, but certainly to have more time to dance. That is to say, the more I dance, the more I realize that my time and happiness is more important to me than the trade off of stress for money. Maybe I'm just having a midlife crisis and need to be talked back down to Earth.

I have friends who are not professional dancers, but have more time than I do to enjoy dancing. They are teachers, artist, writers. These careers have allowed them a better balance between passion and practical financial support. I on the other hand am tied to a high paid, high responsibility, and high stress position. I've climbed the corporate ladder and now realize that I don't like the height.

So I'm asking in general: What do you do as a "day jobs"? How often do you dance (between performing, workshops, lessons, etc...)? And are you happy with the balance?

Yes, our day jobs pays the bills, but how do you balance that with having enough time to enjoy dancing and friends?

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 17 replies

my first mammogram

2007-06-10T03:50:40Z

OK, this will have no impact on my dancing, obviously, but wanted to seek out some comfort, support and guidance from my dance sisters.

I turned 40 in Nov. and have scheduled my first mammogram. I am not currently having any problems but since I turned the magic age of 40 and my maternal grandmother had breast cancer (and a mastectomy), I was highly encouraged to start the annual or biannual mammogram process to establish a baseline. Other than a few prep basics and instructions from my ob-gyn, I don't have much to go on.

What can I expect? What do you wish you had known back then that you know now, specifically something to help a first-timer?

Thanks everyone.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 18 replies

always the same age inside?

2007-05-15T15:05:28Z

I keep getting surprised by photos of me. It seems an old woman keeps popping up at the last minute and getting in the way...and I get a picture of her instead of ME. I just don't FEEL as old as I LOOK. It is a bit discouraging. Now I'm not saying I look like an old hag or anything, I just don't look like I think I do...you know, the hollows under the eyes, crows feet, laugh lines. My mom had a magnet on her fridge of an old woman looking in the mirror and seeing the reflection of a young girl with a quote that read "we're always the same age inside". I guess that's how I'm feeling, my spirit isn't aging, but my body is.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 7 replies

Hello to this tribe!!

2007-05-04T19:08:43Z

Hi,

My name's Rachel and I live in the UK. I just joined the tribe today.

I turned 40 a few weeks ago and finally took the plunge regarding learning to dance.

I've wanted to do it for the last ten years but there has never been a teacher in my area and I gave up on ever being able to do it.

Anyway, I finally decided that i'll just have to do-it-myself so i've bought some DVD'S and a big mirror......

Looking forward to chatting with you all.

Rachel x

posted in Dancers 35+ - 4 replies

I don't look my age.

2007-04-26T12:33:53Z

First off, let me say that this post is NOT intended to offend or flame anyone. This statement, "I don't look my age" or some version thereof, floats all around our society, not just on this tribe, so PLEASE, hope no one takes this personally.

BUT ...

Is anyone besides me bothered by that statement? Am I the only one who hears / reads an undertext of there's something WRONG with looking/feeling/being 35, 45, 55, etc. etc.? I mean, what is so WRONG with looking the age we are? Or feeling or being the age we are? I think the problem is in what society projects on us, that there IS something wrong, devaluing, about being over 29.

I remember sitting in my living room as a child, watching TV with my parents, and some actress would come on to a variety show or an awards show, someone who hadn't been seen on the silver screen in a while, and I remember the clear judgement and horror in my father's voice as he would say "My god, she's AGED" as if she had committed some horribly antisocial act and thereby embarrassed herself and anyone connected with her. What is that all about? (And of course, what my father failed to realize is that he too had AGED right along with her!)

Why SHOULDN'T we look our age? I much prefer the response, "This is what (35, 45, 95) looks like!" I think I look good. And I feel good. Is it the same "good" as when I was 29? Hell NO! Is it the same as my mother looked/felt when she was my age, NO WAY! But times have changed, my life is very different from that of my mother, and this is who I am and what I look like at this age. I won't say I look or feel younger than my 49 years. I will say that I feel great and if people think I look good too, well, thank you for the compliment. But I really don't want people to say that I don't look my age.

Down off my soapbox now. Carry on.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 8 replies

Toronto Kathak Dance Concert! My teacher is over 50 and going strong.

2007-04-11T14:37:00Z

If you, or any dance loving friends are going to be in Toronto, Ontario on April 28th I hope you can catch this amazing performance by my Kathak (North Indian Classical)dance teacher , Joanna De Souza. She's over 50 and her energy and athleticism is astounding. Her teacher, Pt. Chitresh Das is over 60 and still one of the top performers in his field. I started dancing at 35 and its an inspiring to know I could still have another 40+ years to practice. Its never too late :)

KATHAKA
Joanna de Souza accompanied by
Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri (tabla) and Pt. Ramesh Misra (sarangi)
SATURDAY APRIL 28TH ONLY - Glenn Gould Studio - 8 pm
Tickets: $25 (student/senior/CADA) $30
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
glenngouldstudio.cbc.ca/concerts/buytickets.html
Box Office: 416-205-5555

The highest level of mastery in the Kathak tradition, is it's solo practise, demanding intense physicality, musicality and sense of drama. Accompanying Joanna for this performance are two artists with international touring and teaching careers that span four decades. Pandits' Swapan Chaudhuri and Ramesh Mishra, both regarded as the best in their fields, will support Joanna in the creation of 'sangeet'. This spontaneous coming together of melody, rhythm and dance, leads the performers and audience to the ultimate interactive goal of performance, known as 'rasa'.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

Broken arm anyone?

2007-04-01T00:24:21Z

Hi girls,

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

I was just wondering if anyone on the list has had a broken head of radius before, and if so... how long did it take to get full mobility back?

I had a fall at work on the Friday before Chrissy (lucky me) and broke it.

I know it's not even 2 weeks yet, but I cannot straighten my arm, or bend it to touch my nose. (I don't have a plaster cast - just a sling). The doctor said it would be mended in 6 weeks, but it could take 3 or more months to get full mobility back. Oh my!!! (I'm 54, if that makes any difference).

But I CAN easily lift my arm up a la Egyptian arms (if I am careful)- no need to remember to hug-a-bear with that arm!

My main problem is I cannot rotate my forearm. So no floreos, no tribal arms, no zilling, etc.

We (Free Spirit) have a gig in 2 weeks time. I'm hoping like crazy that I'll be able to dance. Can someone give me some hope??? .... or maybe a reality check is needed?

Thanks, Annabella

*´¨)
¸.• ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ ¸.• ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•¨* www.annabella.net

posted in Dancers 35+ - 20 replies

Turning 40 soon and am making a "mark" of it - need info!!!

2007-03-26T18:17:51Z

Jendayi's post about pondering her 40th b-day (which is TODAY!! woo hoo!) got me thinking about my own 40th coming up in 2 weeks.

I have decided to "mark" the occasion in a big way for me. I would like to get my nose pierced, something very small and feminine, like a small gold stud. I think a small, tasteful stud is very beautiful and sexy on a woman and what a great way for me to mark my day!!

But I have to ask - does it hurt a lot? I'm nervous about it. To quote Lucy Van Pelt from "Peanuts" - "I don't like pain...pain hurts." Is it really painful? Maybe more like a small pinch or prick? (I can deal with that). What about hygiene - what is the best way to keep it clean so there is no infection? How long does it take to heal?

Answers to these quesitons, or any other info you can and want to share, is most appreciated!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 32 replies

Woohoo!

2007-03-19T19:41:11Z

I'm 40! *doing the happy dance*

Aside from fingers that ache more often that I might like, this is SO much better than 20's or 30s. *grin*

Now--how can I learn the Turkish drop without killing myself? The bed is nice and soft for landings, but too mushy to really be practical for practice.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 8 replies

I hope I'm not jumping the gun...

2007-03-13T19:17:57Z

I won't be 35 for 9 months... do I gotta wait :) ?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 53 replies

hey ladies...

2007-03-02T04:16:44Z

you rock.
i haven't checked in for a while, which is not so good considering I'm the moderator, but I'm so happy to see this tribe thrive. keep on keeping on, bad knees and all!
Diana

posted in Dancers 35+ - 4 replies

wow! how about over 45+pushing 50

2007-02-22T18:54:03Z

I was thrilled to see this tribe...
but I am older than 45...

posted in Dancers 35+ - 42 replies

42 and pregnant

2007-02-21T21:55:59Z

Hi All!
I'm pregnant with my third child!
I was wondering if there are any others on this list that are/were pregnant at my age. I'd love to hear your experiences as a dancer!

~Rhaehana

posted in Dancers 35+ - 8 replies

Performance makeup tips for the "mature" face

2007-01-23T07:38:00Z

Did anyone read this great thread on the dance makeup tribe?

http://dancemakeup.tribe.net/thread/e446f691-14a6-463d-bb53-16e9dcdba0cd

It had some really good tips!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 3 replies

Pondering about dancing at 40!

2007-01-17T04:30:38Z

Tomorrow is my 40th Birthday.

I’m neither depressed nor excited. I guess the best word to describe how I’m feeling tonight is introspective.

In particular, I’ve been very reflective on my dancing and how it’s changed. It’s far more meaningful, fulfilling, and less competitive than when I started 5 years ago. However, I’m not certain if that observation can be attributed to my age or more experience as a dancer. I'm hopeful it's a synergy of these two factors.

I will say that I’m looking forward to dancing at 40. Some of my favorite dancers have reached this benchmark and I am in awe of their grace and effortless style. Is it their age or their experience that gives them such beauty? Perhaps both!

But focusing on age alone, I have to say there are advantages to being an older dancer. I have lots of goals and experiences still ahead of me that I certainly couldn’t appreciate or fathom as a younger dancer. Tomorrow night I have a dance class and I’m curious how much more I will appreciate it.

Here are other examples:

I realize it’s not the costume that makes you look good; it’s your skill as a dancer.
I know now it’s not your size/weight, it’s your attitude.
At 40 I know that it’s not about competing (though I think that has its place). Instead, it’s about doing your personal best and finding reward in that.

So what do you know for certain now as a dancer that you wouldn’t have been able to appreciate or grasp when you were younger? (Regardless of how long you’ve been at it.)

Perhaps reading some of your answers tomorrow will help boost my excitement and pride in becoming 40.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 36 replies

bellydancing crones

2007-01-16T00:58:37Z

last november I started a tribe, (I have lots that are just sitting there not used)
I have one other member...
http://tribes.tribe.net/bellydancecrones
bellydance specific in title, but anyone can talk about anything, not just dance, not just bellydance....
a tribe for bellydancers over 40....
or going through the 'pause...so to speak, or who feel that they are wiser than younger ones...
it does not discriminate.....all women, maiden, mothers and crones....please join us...
I am going to cross post, because I think 35+ can share allot of wisdom to women just a fews years younger than that...

posted in Dancers 35+ - 17 replies

Who ISN'T injured?

2006-12-29T08:42:04Z

Anybody else notice that half the threads on this tribe have injury as a topic?

When I attended the American College Dance Festival in 2001, there was a faculty showcase performance. About half the dances were "chair pieces" where the faculty/dancers spent at least some of their stage time in a chair. As I observed to a colleague there, "what will it be in 10 years- rocking chairs?"

Growing older sucks, but I guess as Benjamin Franklin observed, it's better than the alternative!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 7 replies

second childhood

2006-12-28T18:43:21Z

Has anyone else found themselves feeling younger emotionally--in a good way!--since taking up belly dance?

When I was actually a teenager, I felt, as I think many of us did, awkward, uncertain, fearful of trying new things and looking stupid....it kept me on the sidelines of too many things. Since taking up belly dance (nearly two years ago, now!), I find myself giggling with my friends like I'm 16 again, considering the logistics of slumber parties (unwieldy, given that we all have kids of our own now), playing with each other's hair, going shopping together, spending all our time talking about music, acting really goofy in public.......but without the teen angst. It's *fun*!!
Am I alone in this?
(am I crazy??)
:-)

posted in Dancers 35+ - 26 replies

Boobs sliding under the arm....HELP!!!

2006-12-20T04:34:52Z

Think lifting weights will make that go away??? It happened very fast...sigh......

posted in Dancers 35+ - 7 replies

plantar faciitis

2006-12-18T16:18:03Z

Hi, I'm new (here and to tribes in general). I'm hoping to find some advice. I started performing w/ a troupe last year. Had a wonderful time but did a lot of dancing and some long practice sessions in the park in bare feet. Had some heel pain in November but thought I'd just overworked it or bruised it.

Diagnosed w/ plantar faciitis in December. Told to rest and stretch. Been doing that but performance season is starting back up and still have the pain. Any advice - other than lots of Advil :-) -- to get me thru. Been wearing hermes sandals to dance in but no support and don't help the heel pain.

Thanks much for any advice!
Chris

posted in Dancers 35+ - 31 replies

I LOVE bellydance!

2006-12-12T22:24:40Z

I think one of the things I love most about bellydance is that the community is very accepting and warm. That's been my experience anyway! This year has been my best dancing year ever, I've had so many goals fulfilled and to be honest if I was a ballerina it wouldn't be this way. I'd be too old or to fat or too something...BUT in bellydance I'm just accepted the way I am. I got to dance in the Blood Moon Regale which I really wanted to do, I'm going to dance in this cool New Year's show, I teach lots of classes, and do showcases. My life is full of dance! Woo Hoo!!!!
here's the website about the New Year's show btw...
http://www.sfsahara.com/

posted in Dancers 35+ - 2 replies

New to this tribe

2006-12-09T14:12:11Z

Hello, everyone,

I was wondering what 35+ ages are out there --

And is everyone a bellydancer? I used to be ... but not anymore. So I'm just kinda curious!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 33 replies

questions-dvds, belly scarves etc.

2006-12-07T16:13:59Z

hi,
can anyone recommend any dvds for beginning bellydance. I don't want the exercise ones that combine other things like other kinds of dance or aerobics or that sort. I would like to find one that is strictly beginner bellydance so that I can practice at home since I only have one class a week right now.

also I"m wondering about belly scarves. I would like to purchase one so I can at least have that to wear at class but I"m wondering what are good prices and the different qualities I should look for. I guess I"m thinking of the kind that jingle, that have the coins or bells on them. I see a bunch on ebay but not sure if they are good prices or quality..just want to get something that won't fall apart.
I"m also wondering..I see lots of gold coin ones and some silver....I"m not a gold person at all so I'm looking for ones that have silver coins..
but curious...was it always gold coins and then the silver coined ones came along. I see so many more gold trims and coins then anything so was curious if there was a reason or just that it's shiney and stands out more.

also what do you like to wear for your bellydancing class?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 20 replies

Does anyone wonder

2006-12-03T00:23:31Z

why they say women over 35 shouldn't wear mini skirts? I think that is just a superficial rule that is meaningless, there are plenty of women under 35 who people would say shouldn't wear minis. Personally I think if an article of clothing makes you feel happy and attractive you should wear it. btw that's me on the left in the Blood Moon...well over 35 in a mini!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 30 replies

what is it about bellydance??

2006-11-16T16:09:12Z

.....what makes it such a bonding force, do you think? (this is, probably obviously, a spin-off from the thread about friends)
I've always had female friends, but usually only one or two at a time; thanks to the relatively viscious late elementary school/junior high years, groups of girls have always made me feel......somewhat threatened. I mean, I'm a grown woman, and I know that, generally speaking, other grown women *usually* aren't plotting against the individual--but, darn it all, old fears can be awfully persistent. So: female friends, one or two at a time, and that was just fine--I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
But I *was*!! And now I'm not anymore! :-)
So: why is this such a near universal experience, do you think?
:-)

posted in Dancers 35+ - 17 replies

BELLY DANCERS WANTED FOR MOTHER BLESSING WAY THIS SATURDAY VENTURA

2006-10-27T03:18:10Z

I know that this is last minute and that most of you don't know me but I am a dancer here in Ventura and I am giving my daughter a Blessing Way/Shower this Saturday from 1 to 4 pm here in Ventura. I am looking for any and all volunteers who might be interested in dancing for us say around 3pm even for 15 minutes! Call me PLEASE 415-9749

jamie

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

Transformation

2006-10-24T21:45:35Z

I have been feeling old and fat, but I am neither. It's that outer-world-messing-with-the-inner-world-because-I-let-it thing ... harsh, yet somehow familiar. It affects everything - especially my self-expression ... my dancing. My daily practice has gone out of the window.

So I crawl off to present two workshops on Kali at a women's spirituality conference this past weekend where Shakti Gawain is the keynote speaker. I sit in the audience trying to care about listening.

She begins by telling us all about her life as a reluctant New Age guru. She never intended to be one - she was just a gal who liked taking workshops about enlightenment. Her real desire was to find true love. She shared that she nearly gave up writing "Creative Visualization" because she ... well ... stopped caring, really. It had started to feel laborious and throroughly boring. One day, the guy she was living with at the time told her that he was going to hang affirmations around their apartment to keep her focused and encouraged - he felt very strongly that she should finish the book both for herself and everyone else on the planet. The next morning, she awoke to find the same adage taped in 42 bazillion places all over the house:

"Cut the shit and do the thing."

Yep.

I have been feeling fat and old, but I am neither. Tonight, a good night's sleep; tomorrow, it's back to daily practice.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 9 replies

having women friends

2006-10-08T15:13:28Z

The other topic of feeling younger through belly dance made me think of the other great opportunity that Tribal Bellydance has offered me, an opportunity to connect with more women friends. I was feeling rather isolated before my renetry into dance. My kids had started moving out (it's in and out at this point, they are taking turns), and my husband works a lot and commutes to L.A. when the kids were younger I had women friends through them, park days and such but those days were gone. So being in a style of dance that involves group cooperation really helps to build bonds with other women that I enjoy so much. And I also like that in our group anyway there is no age discrimination. No one treats me like their mom. I get invited to parties that sometimes make me feel like someone's mom, but I get over it. We just really enjoy each other's company and have lots of activities. It's a community, and when you live in the suburbs that's important!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 6 replies

making a statement for a significant event/birthday

2006-09-13T19:01:01Z

I posed this question in another tribe and I will pose it here too. What would you do to permanent commemorate/honor a significant birthday or event in your life...kind of an out with the old, in with the new type thing. A friend and I came up with tattoos, coloring hair, cutting hair, body piercings. Anything else that YOU would do? My friend has a significant birthday coming up and she wants to do something to commemorate the event.
thanks for the input!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 31 replies

Recovered Back Surgery Belly Dancers??

2006-09-04T20:04:59Z

Hello,

Are there any belly dancers out there that have had back surgery and have been able to dance again?

I had a Microdiscectomy (microdecompression) spine surgery on my lower disk last June and reruptured that same disk a month later. My doctor and physical therapist say no to belly dance. They're not sure what the future holds for me- it may involve more surgery.
I do some very, very, very light dancing without too much pain.

I'm hoping to get some inspirational words from other dancer's who have danced after back surgery. I miss the dance sooooo much! :-)~
Thank you!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 26 replies

ULTA - PULTA

2006-09-04T03:30:56Z

cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was
rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a
rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr
the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the
frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a
pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter
by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas
tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs rpsoet it.

ONLY REPOST IF YOU CAN READ THIS
add up your name in my blog ( in my profile)
if you can read.
...... OHhhh and you have to be honest !!!!!

raju :)

posted in Dancers 35+ - 5 replies

My newest performance with Osiris and Snakes Rising Live!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-02T01:09:36Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iQZ_c6YxHE

Check it out.
Thanks
Darkdove/Selimah

posted in Dancers 35+ - 5 replies

Just starting out:(

2006-08-29T11:59:42Z

I'm 34 (I'll be 35 in December)............but is there anyone out there that is kicking themselves for not discovering bellydancing sooner?! I don't know why it bothers me so much........................I absolutely love bellydancing!! I just feel like I wasted time in my twenties. Anyways, I was just curious!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 31 replies

My Gothic Veil and Snake performance...

2006-08-04T22:42:19Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Exdg8FDIzo Veil Dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z2aS1pUaYg Snake Dance wit Osiris my Argentine Boa 6"+. He is a real ham. I have a few other videos on youtube also.

We were under a shelter and yes that is lightening across the river from us in the background.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 6 replies

Tribal Cafe

2006-08-03T17:11:39Z

So who is going to Tribal Cafe? And who is performing and what workshops are ya takin'????

I'm going, performing at 6:30pm on Sunday and I'm taking Troupe Salamat, Unmata, David Hall, & Shawna Rai workshops. I'm so excited!!!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

Burlesque and BellyDance

2006-08-01T04:40:13Z

I have tremendous respect for both belly dance and burlesque. However, I was raised in the belly dance community that I grew up in that belly dancers were trying to make belly dancing more respectable and accepted among the general puplic. So I've always taught my students not to mix the two. Meaning don't dress up as a belly dancer and then strip. I know I have danced in Burlesque shows as a belly dancer and I performed as a belly dancer. Other people did the stripping. Nor do I mind a belly dancer that strips just as long as she's not stripping wearing a belly dance outfit. I have to admit the first time I danced in a burlesque show I was worried that my Belly dance friends would be upset with me for lowering the standard at where belly dancing was performed. Then when I realized so many other people were doing it I decided it wasn't that big a deal.
Recently, I was in a show with some people I had never performed with before. One of the dancers was a belly dancer and burlesque dancer. I thought she was going to belly dance since this was primarily a fire/dance/ and music show. She ended up doing a burlesque number dressed as a belly dancer and I was a bit annoyed. Then I got to thinking about it and realized that many of the old album covers I had seen from the 50s and 60s showed dancers wearing pasties and very sheer skirts slit up to the belt. So I started thinking about it and wondering am I wrong in my persception of belly dance? After all, historically in Egypt didn't mothers hire dancers to teach their daughters about sexuallity before they were married? I remember reading that some place. All over the middle east it is not considered a respectable way to make a living. So as American dancers are we trying to make it something more than it is? Yes it is an art form and yes there is more to it than just the sexual aspects of it. So why am I upset about a burlesque dancer dancing as a belly dancer? Should I be? Just wondering what all you intelligent, been around the block, women think about this subject. I try at my age to keep an open mind and not get stuck in my ways and this is a subject that I would love to have some discussion about and explore other peoples opinions. Sorry if this has been discussed before.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 2 replies

I've posted a listing in your Events Section

2006-07-30T22:52:49Z

Hi
My name is Jessica, I'm one of the Nubian Divas. Please see our event in your events section.

Thanks

or just go to www.nubiandivas.com

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

recovery

2006-07-28T16:56:04Z

Eeeeek! I hurt myself on Saturday night pretty badly while goofing around and doing a Turkish drop (after too many Blue Hawaiians I think they were calling them...something with too much vodka or tequila in it) . Oh I'm so upset, we are dancing at Tribal Fest, and I have to do a repeat of this drop (or we'll amend it depending on my physcial condition).
I'm taking all the good stuff, arnica, arnica and more arnica. And resting but this sucks, it is the worst part of getting older, that you just don't bounce up any more.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 22 replies

"Twin Skin"

2006-07-28T03:14:29Z

I have twin boys who are turning 8 this year... They were pretty big babies (one was almost 8lbs, and the other 5.5lbs), soooo, you can imagine just how big I was. I've tried everything to lose the pooch that I have left over, but it's just loose, saggy skin, and my muscles have been stretched so far that without surgery the scar tissue between them is preventing them from going back to 'normal' even with vigorous exercise... Anyway, I'm seriously considering having a "tummy tuck" next spring, but I'm scared as hell about the recovery time. Has anybody had any experience with this that could give me some insight?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 3 replies

Need Baby Shower Ideas

2006-07-25T17:18:36Z

My daugter Kaitlyn is pregnant and I am planning a very special event to honor her and her unborn child. I was thinking of a alternative type of baby shower and would love to get some ideas. I was thinking perhaps some belly dancings, henna tattoos, mother blessing, etc but I would welcome any ideas your all might have. So far the list is looking like 50+ people so we are going to be having it at a local venue. Ideas I need: decoration (no pick and blue cutesy things), food (she is a vegatarian), mother blessing rituals (consider that she is a alternative Christian) and well just about anything you all can offer up in the idea department. I have plenty of time to plan but time somehow gets away from me so I am starting early. Any local dancers (Ventura area) want to come and perform? How about good henna artists complete with the full on tent? How about including drumming? How about good internet sites for gifts, ideas, decorations etc> HELP!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 5 replies

Support for the BIG 5-0!

2006-07-23T07:56:33Z

Let's hear it for the class of 1956...anyone here (other than ME) turning 50 this year??

I certainly don't feel that old! :-)

posted in Dancers 35+ - 35 replies

Inspiration Hadia!

2006-07-19T05:10:41Z

I just had the pleasure of having Hadia in my studio and in my home for two weeks while she taught her teacher training course and some extra workshops, and performed in our gala show. She's 53, and has way more energy, flexibility, strength, etc. than anyone who attended the workshops, no matter what their age. She has a fantastic knowledge of the body and how to keep it at ease and therefore free of injury. I strongly recommend that you check out her workshops or at least videos and drink in some of her wisdom. It's given me a lot of inspiration as I age. I hope to be as fit as Hadia when I reach 53. And having spent time with her, I have an idea how.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 2 replies

Not bad for a late starter...

2006-07-18T02:49:49Z

Hi all,

I have a big grin on my face today...
I am feeling very flattered, excited and happy (and nervous too) as my teacher today asked me to dance with her at her Turkish evening in 2 weeks. I only started class in February, and have been through years of health challenges, and just turned 40, so this is such a wonderful compliment and validation for me. And the power of bellydance of course!

Just wanted to share my positive mood, and encourage others who've started late but have secret aspirations to perform.

Now if someone can just convince me my mind won't go blank, it'll be just FINE ;)

Happy dancing everyone
'Juli

posted in Dancers 35+ - 15 replies

itchy burning feet - help?!!

2006-07-17T20:44:43Z

Hi,

I think I've overdone it practicing for my first solo. My feet are constantly feeling hot and itchy - no sign of athletes foot or anything, but the toe pads, ball of foot and heel are going bright red and tender, while the underneath of the toes and rest of foot (ie the underneath bits that don't touch the ground much) are white. I'm wondering if there's something up with my circulation (I normally have COLD feet!) and it sort of feels - from what i remember - like chilblanes, which I got as a child after waiting at freezing cold bus stops.

It's getting too painful to walk, let alone practice - any one have any ideas as to how to cool them down - performance is next tuesday! - and avoid getting this again please??

thanks!
'juli

posted in Dancers 35+ - 8 replies

BEWARE -- we are all going to hell !!

2006-07-14T16:31:54Z

You -- yes, you! -- are going to hell (I will already be waiting for you). But you! Your life will be ruined by the sins promoted by **gasp** dancing! You will become a ruined & "scarlett" woman!

At least, according to an 1892 anti-dance book:
http://www.boingboing.net/2006/07/06/antidance_book_from_.html

posted in Dancers 35+ - 5 replies

Stalker on Tribe and My Space

2006-07-07T21:53:33Z

This was posted by Amar of the Electric Vardo Tribe and Tim Rayburn of Solace.
Dancers, women, Beware: Stalker on tribe & myspace
Some of you may have seen this already, but just in case not ... our good friend Tim has posted this on tribe and myspace and I feel the need to make sure Everybody is aware, so Please pass this on where you can.

In addition, I read in some of the posts that he has been trying to teach ME drumming after 6 weeks of learning himself.
Seriously, be Careful and have NOTHING to do with this guy.

From Tim:
This is addressed mainly to my wonderful dancer friends here, but is useful for everyone.

Some of you may know that an individual has been haunting Tribe and the Bay Area belly dance scene for the last few months. He has approached and propositioned dozens of dancers both locally, and nationwide (online), upsetting many (including friends of mine), and even scaring a few with his stalker-like behavior.

He finds women's phone numbers, home addresses, emails, etc., and starts contacting them, often repeatedly.

There has been considerable discussion about him on Tribe, with many women coming forward with horror stories about his unwanted attention

You can read the full details here:

mideastpercussion.tribe.net/thre...37fe9

(he's the one who started this thread, get a good look and avoid him if you see him locally)

bellydancebiz.tribe.net/thread...42ab2b3

(various people's reactions to him)

Here is his MySpace profile:

profile.myspace.com/index.cfm

Needless to say, do NOT accept a friend invite from this man, do not correspond with him at all.

Various dancers are looking into taking appropriate action, and the hope is that he will be gone from Myspace and Tribe soon. In the mean time, have nothing to do with him.

This kind of thing really makes my blood boil, and I felt it was necessary to put out a warning, since I have a large number of dancer friends. Please pass this on to everyone, even non-dancers!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 9 replies

new dancer... menopausal issues

2006-07-07T15:34:59Z

Hi ladies, I'm new here to the tribe AND a new dancer. One of my concerns for my upcoming debut is that I'm early menopausal... and I get sweaty and flushed after quite a bit of exertion. I do physical work, so I actually have a lot of stamina but once I go - gadzooks it looks like I have a bad sunburn and feels like I'm covered in grease. I've had many people say I don't "look" sweaty, but am concerned about how my make up may change appearance once I "flush". Anyone have thoughts?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 9 replies

do you remember

2006-07-05T03:12:29Z

So I hear this word now and it makes me ill. It is used to describe everything from cars to court cases. it's the "S" word. SEXY!
At one time, it was used to describe a person that was alluring, and maybe exotic.
Now it means sleazy , vulgar, common or just crass.
This came to mind the other day when a friend emailed me something from Andy Rooney about how women over 40 are far smarter, beautiful and yes sexier than women half their age and we look good in red lipstick as well. I also thought of women who I wanted to be when I grew up like Leslie Uggams, Josephine Baker, or Gail Fisher. These women are what sex appeal was meant to be.
So with all of the recent controversies in our dance, I just try to hold onto the fact that some of the vulgarities will diminish and the class, style and dignity will be our legacy.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 41 replies

Feet

2006-06-30T04:39:45Z

I got a splinter in the back of my toe; no big deal, hunh?
Besodes the back spasm twisting around to try & see the sucker, soaking in a nice hot Epsom salt bath, peroxiede soaks, new socks, sturdy shoes..... my toe inflamed & got bad, Bad, BAD! So when the cane came out for ease I broke down & confess to my dr.
She said come back next week & I'll do a lil in office slice with a local & we'll get it out. By then when she shot me, or tried to shoot kme with a local I ScreeaamMeddD & jumped & had to have the nurse sit on my leg to do it.

the Ms Dr says I won't do this you have to see the Expert. Oh no the Expert!
Another week of limping misery in fear of the Expert........

& he was DR Great! Common sense old fashion Podiatrist that could balance my fear child with my knowledgeable adult. He says "so you had ballet as a child?" "wowww how'd you know?" "From the 2 deformed toes on either foot, but you spend a lot of time in the garden..." WoW ho'd you know?" "Bcz all yr toes aren't deformed."
So while he's telling me how if this doesn't work they will cut on the toe to remove the object if there is an object, & if that doesn't work they will do a surgery, open the toe, break the toe & put in pins to straighten them out! But not today & voila he had already scraped open the lil duct my own ministrations had blocked & I never felt a thing.

Now I wonder why I didn't understand about a dancer needing a Podiatrist the way my teeth need a Dentist.
Does any one else use a Podiatrist? Preventative or problem related?

Mine says to rub yr feet with Vicks Vapor Rub for anti fungal, anti bacterial & warming the muscles...... nice. :}

posted in Dancers 35+ - 24 replies

hello everyone

2006-06-16T00:28:28Z

Not much going on tonight, so I'm surfing Tribe and came across this group. How awesome! So glad to see so many different tribes of different interests - I think this is the 5th tribe I joined tonight! I just wanted to introduce myself and I hope to make many new friends in this group.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 9 replies

Mourning lost potential

2006-06-06T00:14:09Z

I haven’t been participating much here, but am hoping for some words of wisdom from this group. It feels like the universe, all that is, my inner self, what ever, is telling me to get over belly dance, as life seems to keep me shut out of so many opportunities. But, we create our own opportunities, so I assume I’m doing it to myself. Now I’m 50 and more parts hurt chronically than not, and I feel like it is too late to build the capacity to dance at all, let alone well. Or maybe I’m doing a cop out sort of thing due to the time and effort required to be fit. I get excited when I see a wonderful dancer and then realize she is 25 to 30 years younger than me and has been working hard, has a much greater capasity for that work, and I realize it would be impossible to catch up. I do realize that I can dance within my capacity, but I long for that feeling of strong, painless, lift off. I long for the lightness of being that comes with being fit and strong, and am terrified I'll never feel that again. Anybody deal with this kind of thing? Any thoughts?

posted in Dancers 35+ - 32 replies

getting 'work'

2006-06-01T01:33:31Z

I am 41, and have lost and gained the same 20 pounds for the last fifteen years, I am thinking about a tummy tuck. Yeah yeah, I am not trying to change my life or become 20 or anything, but I would like my photos better (see it is about ME) if there was not so much texture in my abdominal skin-
anyone had a tuck and willing to talk about it?
Celine

posted in Dancers 35+ - 5 replies

Advice and Encouragement Help

2006-05-30T18:14:48Z

I am new to the awesome art of belly dance. I have been taking classes for about 4 months now at least weekly and more when I can. This art is something that I always wanted to learn but life kept getting in the way. I finally started (at the ripe old age of 48) and I am so in love with this physical, spiritual and emotional dance that I can't get enough of it! When I started my intention was to attempt to learn as much as I could so that I could surprise my husband for our anniversary. We are taking that silly 4 night booze cruise out of Long Beach and my idea was to make arrangements with the powers that be on board to dance into the dining room and totally blow him away. I sort of have a costume (though I can't put make-up on to save my soul) and some flowers for my hair but what I lack (besides experience) is the courage to follow through. I REALLY want to do this for him. I will share a secret.... last saturday when I was practising in my living room I was unaware that my husband was watching me from the dining area. Well, he stopped me, caressed me and the rest is private but lets just say the passion was flying. In any event, as I write this to all of you I am so scared and I really have no idea if I can pull it off. Any suggestions for courage, simple music, costume, hair, make-up or ????????

posted in Dancers 35+ - 14 replies

Jessica does Performance Artist BellyDance!

2006-05-08T16:08:27Z

wanna see???

go here: http://JessicaDances.monique.blip.tv

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

First solo and scared s*&tless

2006-05-04T16:53:38Z

Hi, I'm and lurker and just joined. I just turned 38 and I have my first alternative hafla performance this friday. I have the song all picked out (Cars by Gary Newman). I am trying out all different combos and keep changing the choreography. I'm unsure of myself because I don't want to look like someone who is performing separate combos throughout the entire piece (don't want my piece to look like a bunch of little pieces - ha, ha). So I have to find ways of "smoothing" out the combos with little transitions like arm movements... and I'm rambling. Sorry.

Has anyone else been in my situation?

Now all I need is a costume. Do I go tribal fusion? Urban tribal? Tribal skirt or melodias with a sarong on top - a la Temple dancer? Hmmmm decisions, decisions.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 17 replies

PSST!!! CHECK OUT THIS TOUR

2006-05-01T16:08:52Z

The historical Hipdrop Tour features African American Bellydancers across the USA.
The tour starts May 13 in Van Nuys CA

please paypal a ticket at www.hipdrop.com and check out the flyer at www.jessicadances.com and www.nubiandivas.com

Y'ALL COME AROUND NOW YA HEAR!

posted in Dancers 35+ - 0 replies

What's happened to this tribe?

2006-04-25T13:38:32Z

Hey gals! Where have we been? No activity in this tribe for a while. Does this mean that we're all so happy and content with life that we have don't need any advice, support, commiseration, etc.? Or are we all just too old and tired to participate? NAW!!

We don't have to only ask advice and complain. We can share the good news too. I want to share a success story. Many of my students are in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Most of them have had babies, few of them have what society would lable a classically beautiful body. In class, almost nobody shows her belly; they all wear tight fitting tops and t-shirts.

We have been preparing for a student recital, and they were all quite nervous about costuming. Again, most of them did not want to show their bellies. I don't push it. I try very hard to help them to love and appreciate their bodies, but I don't force anyone to expose herself. Well, Tere (40-ish) arrived at dress rehearsal looking FABULOUS, all sparkly and elegant, with a light weight gauzy veil draped over her upper torso. I commented that it might get in the way of her movement and it was covering up her beautiful top all decorated with coins, fringe and bangles. She said she was just too shy to expose her belly, and I didn't push it.

But she arrived to last night's performance without the veil! When I asked about it, she said it was just too hot :) to dance with that fabric draped over her upper torso, that she hoped the fringe and bangles covered up enough of her belly and if not, well, too bad, she was just going to dance like that.

Okay, it's not a big deal, but it felt like a small victory for me after years of trying to convince women to honor a love their bodies in spite of all that society might tell us to the contrary. I've now got 3 middle aged señoras dancing with their bellies out, and it just makes me do a little happy dance.

posted in Dancers 35+ - 13 replies

Self Confidence as a Dancer

2006-04-24T02:57:23Z

Hi all...

I have somehow lost all self confidence...I love to Dance, it has made a huge difference in my life! I have been dancing for about 1 1/2 yrs now.
I practice, I go to 1-2, somtimes 3 classes a week...I love it! I have a Fabo instructor, and she is very patient with me...I was invoted to go to a co dancers b-day party and she asked me to dance...which I was happy to...I have a new little choreo, that I wanted to do...When I got there I realized that I left my CD in the player at home...so I did a littel number that my instructor taught me in the beginning..I dont even consider it BD, but it's cute, and I hvae fun doing it...So, to be honest....I Sucked...NO, I SUPER SUCKED!!!!! I mean it was realllllllllyyyyyy bad....I knew it the minute I started it was going to be bad...and then I heard a woman say...who was not a BDancer...She was not very good...
2 of the women who danced were instructors, and one a co/dancer...who is new also and did an absolutly beautiful job...I was so very proud of her...but I still sucked so badly...
and I fell retarded...and dont want to go through that again...it was embarrassing and hurtful...I would so appreciate some feedback on any experience, strenght and HOPE! I am not one of those dancers who thinks they are good and needs to dance in public...quite the opposite...but that experience really left a bad taste in my mouth for future performances...Hugs, Gigi

posted in Dancers 35+ - 16 replies

Dancers 35+'s topics - tribe.net

MaMa still has it =D

X-post: One Crepey Eye

Just how far do I have to go?

OK, the grey....

started late!

The $5 pants!

Wearing glitter over age 35

How old are you?

Lying on the tribal counseling chair ....lol

Workshop cancelled!

Who here is peri-menopausal?

Are you ever too old to dance?

HI *waving*

Rules to live by?

What about older, but still considered 'cute'?

Help --- crone type dancer needs makeup tips !

when they say "face it your 55"

Upcoming Photo Shoots In Various Cities

Skin care for aging skin

What I'm doing for my 37th birthday...

eye wrinkles!

Hi just joined the tribe

costumes

X-POST: Big Beautiful Belly Dancer 2008 Calendar call for photos

bad knees

OMG so happy I found this tribe

Fertility, parenting options and "the Change"

Kismet at Cedar City

belly dance bra and belt for sale

In praise of the $10 flip-flop

Dancing and your Day Job

my first mammogram

always the same age inside?

Hello to this tribe!!

I don't look my age.

Toronto Kathak Dance Concert! My teacher is over 50 and going strong.

Broken arm anyone?

Turning 40 soon and am making a "mark" of it - need info!!!

Woohoo!

I hope I'm not jumping the gun...

hey ladies...

wow! how about over 45+pushing 50

42 and pregnant

Performance makeup tips for the "mature" face

Pondering about dancing at 40!

bellydancing crones

Who ISN'T injured?

second childhood

Boobs sliding under the arm....HELP!!!

plantar faciitis

I LOVE bellydance!

New to this tribe

questions-dvds, belly scarves etc.

Does anyone wonder

what is it about bellydance??

BELLY DANCERS WANTED FOR MOTHER BLESSING WAY THIS SATURDAY VENTURA

Transformation

having women friends

making a statement for a significant event/birthday

Recovered Back Surgery Belly Dancers??

ULTA - PULTA

My newest performance with Osiris and Snakes Rising Live!!!!!!!!!!!

Just starting out:(

My Gothic Veil and Snake performance...

Tribal Cafe

Burlesque and BellyDance

I've posted a listing in your Events Section

recovery

"Twin Skin"

Need Baby Shower Ideas

Support for the BIG 5-0!

Inspiration Hadia!

Not bad for a late starter...

itchy burning feet - help?!!

BEWARE -- we are all going to hell !!

Stalker on Tribe and My Space

new dancer... menopausal issues

do you remember

Feet

HI waving