December Happenings and Gift Ideas!

I am hoping that my students, friends, and creative allies, can help me get the word out about some of the really amazing things I am a part of and working on. Thank you so much! Let me know if there is some way I can spread the word about the wonderful things you do too!

As we roll into the holidays and the close of 2014 there is still time for more adventures, and for planning for 2015! Can you believe we are in the final pages of 2014 already!

I am currently booking for 2015 studio classes and local events. If you or someone you know has an interest, please let me know early.

December brings gift giving to mind! Do you have someone on your nice list with an interest in Bellydance, Tarot, or Writing? Let's work together to give them the perfect gift! And you get something too! With any purchase you get 50% off classes, readings, or books!

Here are some of the exciting things already on the calendar for December. See you soon!

Sundays, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Private Lessons

Home Studio, Glendale

Mondays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Private Lessons

Home Studio, Glendale

Mondays, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Tarot Cafe

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tarot-cafe-tickets-14438932235

Tuesdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Writing Workshop/ Critique

Home Studio, Glendale

Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm & 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Bellydance Drop in Drills

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bellydance-drop-in-drills-tickets-14438908163

Wednesdays, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm & 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Bellydance Drop in Drills

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bellydance-drop-in-drills-tickets-14438908163

Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tarot Cafe

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tarot-cafe-tickets-14438932235

Thursdays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Private Lesson

Home Studio, Glendale

Thursdays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Private Lesson

Home Studio, Glendale

Thursdays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

bint Hazine Student Rehearsal

Home Studio, Glendale

Thursdays, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Writing Workshop/ Critique

Home Studio, Glendale

4th, 1:00 pm

Author Spotlight Interview

Fashion Square Mall

13th - 15th

ComiCon FanFest

Glendale

http://phoenixcomicon.com/page/82

13th, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Desert Caravan

Daddy-o's Bar & Grill, Glendale

https://www.facebook.com/DaddyOsDesertCaravanBellydanceDrumCircle

20th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Evolve Dance Studio Recital

South Mountain Community College

22nd, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Red Tent

Home Studio, Glendale

https://www.facebook.com/events/596690497126218/

Thank you so much to all of you! Have a wonderful holiday season!

Tea Dueling with Captain Amara Deegan

I am a fan of tea. This is no secret. I typically have quite the stash of teas for any occasion, and appreciate when people share a few bags or loose ounces of their favorite teas with me. I am a fan of tea sets as well, though I have my favorites. I enjoy tea parties and am always looking for an excuse to host one, Mad Hatter or otherwise.

So, I was pleasantly shocked to discover there was something about the tea culture I was not previously aware of. I am sending a huge thank you to Jenn Aerilyn, also known as Captain Amara Deegan for introducing me to the fine art of Tea Dueling.

I confess to be wholly under the impression that Tea Dueling, or Tiffing, was an invention of the Steampunk societies and fans. I had no idea that this is in fact an event with quite the history.

Steeped (yes, a pun at last!) in history, the sport of Tea Dueling has been in existence since at least 1899 which the official rules are dated. It is a game for both gentlemen and ladies. The official Tea Dueling Societies as well as several Steampunk fan groups participate in these matches. There are regulation biscuits, regulation cup depths, and an entire list of rules to follow. This is some serious business! And it is far more fun than I expected after hearing it was essentially biscuit dunking and sassing your opponent.

There are three ways to lose a tea duel and all three are just a matter of how the biscuit crumbles. A Splash; which is to have your biscuit fall into your tea cup. A Splatter; landing your gooey biscuit on the table, floor, or anywhere other than the cup, unless you Sploge. A Sploge is the most shameful way to lose at a tea duel, and this is to land your mushy biscuit anywhere on your person. A true gentleman/ lady does not soil his/ her own clothing afterall.

Jenn Aerilynn introduced me to this at the November Red Tent night and I was hooked! I also lost in the most shameful way possible, with a sploge on my first go. I would love to see a round or three between Captain Amara Deegan and Captain Blackstrap Gennie, maybe with swords or rum involved.

For more information on Tea Dueling:

http://steamaz.com/

http://unlacethevictorians.blogspot.com/2012/04/art-of-tea-dueling.html

To find out more about Jenn (Captain Amara):

https://www.facebook.com/CaptainAmaraDeegan/timeline

And, of course Captain Blackstrap:

https://www.facebook.com/BlackstrapGennie

https://www.facebook.com/czep.blackstrapbook

bint Hazine Chatter: Two Weeks into 2013

It is two weeks into the New Year and bint Hazine has been fairly active. I think I really need to reflect now and again on just how much we do, especially when I am feeling sort of low. 

Most of bint Hazine are finding their sensual, sexy side this month with Mizz Lucy’s VaVaVoom classes at Plaza de Anaya, Tempe. It is not likely that our friends and fans will be seeing that much more skin in future bint Hazine appearances, but expect that there might be a few more dances that sample, as DREADmonboogaloo did, from the slinky side of dance.

AdeebA’s classes at Rio Vista have been cancelled this session due to low enrollment. (Tell your friends Peoria students, this class can only happen if there are five or more signed on). Glendale has shimmy! Foothills classes are ago this session though, and we are working on combos and technique on Tuesday nights with a very full class! FREE classes at the Civic Space are rather quiet as well which seems crazy. Free dance classes on a Saturday morning and not too early either. Where is everyone?

We are looking forward to at least a few gigs in 2013 including plans to join The DREAD Fleet for Phoenix Comic Con and Pirate Mud Wresting. If you have an event upcoming, please let us know, we are eager to dance for most events and small parties. In January, AdeebA performed a last minute gig for the Hip Historian, Mashall Shore at Phoenix Metro Retro for his talk on Route 66. So, we really will do just about any venue.

And, most important, bint Hazine is celebrating the birthdays of two of our very special dancers this month! Happy Birthday to Samira Nadim and Sarai Gabrielle! Samira is the sexy embodiment of sass and sarcasm; she brings the sharp but sweet edge to bint Hazine. Sarai looks innocent but we know she has trouble behind that angelic smile. Thank you ladies so much for the unique beauty you bring to this troupe. You are glittering treasures!

We are working on at least three new pieces for 2013! Don’t worry though, we will still offer the favorites including Tunak Tunak Tun! Thank you so much to everyone who supports us; friends, family, and fellow dancers!

Follow bint Hazine: Facebook.com/bint.hazine

Where I Will Be: February

In case you miss seeing me in person, here are a list of events I am attending in February. I love to chat with fellow writers, performers, dancers, pirates and sword fighters.

PIRATES & BELLYDANCERS CHARITY FUNDRAISER
February 18th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sam's Club
(83rd Ave & Bell Rd., PHX.)

All Ages Welcome! Donations to aid MS research! This event has pirates, sword fights, rapier demos, pirate dancing, belly dancing, and Blackstrap's Ecstasy books for sale!

TOVREA CASTLE FUNDRAISER/ WOW SHOW
February 18th, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Next Coffee Co.
(59th Ave. & Utopia, Peoria)

All Ages welcome! Donations help fund reconstruction for Tovrea Castle and Carraro Gardens. The show is free though we are collecting donations this time around. See bint Hazine and many other stunning dance troupes and soloists as they wow you with belly dance skillz!

AZ RENIASSANCE FAIRE
February 25th & 26th, 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Festival Grounds
(12601 East Highway 60, Apache Junction)
http://royalfaires.com/arizona/

I will have books to sign and sell on both days of Pirate weekend. I love when fans and friends visit in costume! Stop by for a copy of Blackstrap's Ecstasy, show me your stunning pirate attire, chat, or just take pictures.

Don't forget to drop by Twig The Faerie's booth too to see Tiwg and Moon Mermaid!

Upcoming Events in October and Beyond!

Since August I do not feel like I have had a chance to slow down for a moment, but I am always excited to announce all the exciting events that are happening in Phoenix! It is especially exciting now that the weather is beginning to cool down.

BUCCANEERS PIRATE SHOW
October 15th, 6PM - 2AM
Sail Inn
(Tempe, AZ)
+21
Check out azcorsair.ning.com for more information!

PIRATE FEAST
*ONLY ONE MORE WEEK TO PURCHASE TICKETS*
October 16th, 5PM - 10PM
The Everhart's
(Chandler, AZ)
All Ages Welcome
$20 Meal + Entertainment + Bar (Only 75 Available)
$15 Meal + Entertainment
$10 Entertainment + Non-Alcoholic Beverages + Tournament Entry
$5 Entertainment + Non-Alcoholic Beverages
$5 Tournament Only
*All Ticket Sales are Presale Online Only*
http://piratefeast.info

BOO AT THE ZOO
October 28th - 29th, 6:00PM - 11:00PM
Phoenix Zoo
( )
All Ages
http://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/Howl-O-Ween/

DANCERS OF DENILE W/ BINT HAZINE
November 5th, 11AM
Arizona State Fairgrounds
(Phoenix)
All Ages

LIVING CHESS MATCH
November 19th - 20th
Phoenix Faerie Festival
( )
All Ages
http://www.westerngatesfaerierealms.com/PhoenixFaerieFestival.htm

Fighters and performers needed for the Living Chess Match! This is essentially a battle between the magically enhanced, deadly ship Delirium and the confused but confident ship Ecstasy, with Max and Dirk as the kings on the board!

Also, keep up on all the adventures by following these pages on Ning.com and Facebook!

http://azcorsair.ning.com/
http://www.facebook.com/bint.hazine
http://www.facebook.com/czep.blackstrapbook
http://www.facebook.com/jjmczep
http://www.facebook.com/BlackstrapGennie
http://www.facebook.com/czeps.just.write
http://www.facebook.com/tlapdaz

Arizona Corsairs Raid the Arizona Renaissance Faire

Ecstasy, what is your profession!

Arr! Arr! Arr!*

The Arizona Corsairs raided Pirate Weekend at the Arizona Renaissance Faire. Ship Ecstasy made a grand showing as usual, but then, I am bias. Some memorable moment, in quotes.

The weather is just menopausal. – Sharon

This was in response to the flashes of warmth and sunshine between the freezing bouts of hail, sleet and snow, a bit strange for Arizona weather? Yes. We thought so too. Sharon is from AdeebA Korsana’s Sunnyslope classes and a new member to ship Ecstasy.

I think I got somethin’ in my teeth, could ya get it out for me? THATS F*CKIN TEAAMM WOORRK!!! – Casey

Yes. Ecstasy’s carpenter/ Kaylee, did in fact pick gunk out of her captain’s teeth. Now that is loyal crew, right there.

I have never been with a captain before. – The Prince (kissing Blackstrap’s hand)

That is probably why you are still alive, boy. – Blackstrap (in retort)

Not the first royal to meet with Blackstrap’s wit in response to advances. It really is not wise to charm a pirate, even less so a captain, least of all Blackstrap.

*Of course, it is the quote at the top of this post that made the biggest impression. Several members of the AZ Corsairs entered the Pirate costume contest. Only one placed, Captain Blackstrap, with the stunning aid of her crew. In the “Best Arr!” portion of the event instead of being the typical lone pirate and saying arr on her own, she summoned the immortal words of Leonides. The return call from at least a dozen loyal pirates came with as much vigor to make any troupe of Spartans or pirates proud. That is how a captain says arr!

So much of Ecstasy is about teamwork, loyalty, friends, and fun! Ecstasy is the brightest, sexiest, most talented ship in all the Arizona Corsairs, but then, again I may be bias.

Huge thanks to Commodore Max for gifting Blackstrap a beautiful pirate compass. The gesture was both sweet and sarcastic, and always much appreciated.

Blaze, nice try on sneaking through the city gates with the royal procession.

J.J.M. Czep and the crew of Ecstasy are excited to announce that on Saturday, April 2^nd, the last weekend of the Arizona Renaissance Faire, Blackstrap’s Ecstasy books will be available for signing and purchase at The Book Shop. At this point, there may only be ten copies available! Czep will sign pre-purchased copies.

Thunder Stump at Donna Jean's

Another astounding performance by Thunder Stump at Donna Jean's Libations last Friday night. It may be one of their last shows for a while, as they go on hiatus to improve their style and grow from garage band to Punk Rock Super Stars.

Living in Phoenix Arizona is living in an ever changing gallery of emerging artists, performers, and musicians. I am always grateful to count among my friends and acquaintances, many of these creative people. Thunder Stump being top in the class and plans are they will only get better.

If you have not had the pleasure of hearing the "Punk. Comedy. Genius!" (- Thunder Stump Blog title and Myspace site) you are missing out on some of the geekiest, and we mean that in a good way, punk rock ever to be conceived. These nerds with instruments "that are embarrassed to be seen with them" (- TS Myspace profile), claim to be the "funniest comedic punk band in the 85014 zip code" (- TS Myspace Profile). They are not kidding around! Lead singer and lyricist Brenden Tuerff, with his brother Adam Tuerff, write about their love of video games, fears of zombie outbreaks, hopes for an apocalypse (to improve the pitiful state of the global economy), and all that connects with the soul of their geek fan base.

Reading the official Thunder Stump blog it looks like Keytarist, David Roberts will be moving to Bass Guitar when the band returns to the stage. No word, to my knowledge, who the new keytarist might be, but knowing the guys of TS he is sure to be the creme d' la creme of geek musical artists.

While on hiatus officially, the boys have assured me that they will appear at any Arizona Corsair or Ship Ecstasy event that Captain Blackstrap invites them to play, including the July Mud Wrestling event. So, big time TS fans, it may be time to go pirate. That does not mean pirate TS's recently released album, Punk. Comedy. Album. That you can buy at bandcamp.com.

Follow Thunder Stump:

http://www.Thunderstump.com

http://www.thunderstump.bandcamp.com

http://www.myspace.com/thunderstumpband

and on Facebook.

AdeebA Korsana

Those who read this blog might be curious to know a bit more about the personalities that run the show in this performance that is my life. And, because I have no idea what to write about. Here is a brief look into who, AdeebA Korsana is.

AdeebA (AdibA) is a female name of Arabic origin, it means literary, noble, proud woman. When I first began dancing with Lori Hunt (Badrea Talua) at Shirley’ Delhi (43^rd Ave & Cactus), she recommended that I choose a stage name. So many ideas ran through my head. I could take the easy way out, Easalle. It sounds exotic if not Middle Eastern, it was a name no one else shared. It spoke to me. But, Easalle did not dance. Czep was also pretty exotic, but not the look I was going for.

Lori offered a book of approved dance names. Some of the names in her pamphlet sized book had little stars beside them, to indicate another of her students had taken the name already. I looked into the meaning of my given name and the possible angles I could take on that. Nothing jumped out at me. Lori suggested Mish Mish. At my age though I was looking for something a bit more mature, something I could grow into, not out of.

At the same time, I was getting more and more into the social side of writing, meeting with other female would-be authors at the Fresh Start Women’s Center in Phoenix. I realized I had two separate lives that needed connection. I needed a name to reflect that. I began looking for names that meant poet, writer, words, anything that could coincide with my being a writer and a dancer.

I also needed a name that was visually appealing. Words have a beauty to them, and much like Anne of Green Gables, who demanded an “e” at the end of her name, I wanted people to see the name and find beauty in it. AdeebA had balance. Libras like balance.

AdeebA was perfect, and, it wasn’t taken. Then the pirates came.

One year into playing pirate with the Arizona Corsairs told me I would not be rid of the pirate portion of my personality any time soon. Here was a third slice of the pie that is my life that needed to be added into the name.

Korsana is the feminine for pirate in Arabic. I considered changing the name altogether. Drop AdeebA, go full pirate. I was, and always will be a woman of words first though and AdeebA was just too fitting. I asked Badrea what the rule for having two names was, if any. Blessedly, it is all up to the dancer. I do find it suiting though that Badrea, being the instructor of troupe Dancers of DeNile, and I, with the aspirations to teach one day, both took two names.

Shirley’s Delhi is closed, Badrea Talua recently retired, but the name stuck, the dancer grew, AdeebA Korsana is teaching, and I think she is here to stay. Even if this body stops shimmying, AdeebA Korsana will continue in fiction. She did find a place in the story line of Captain Blackstrap. It is not quite the same as the true story.

There is another part to the name, recently surfaced, due to a need to conjure a name for the students AdeebA Korsana is gathering – bint Hazine. Daughters of Treasure. On the surface, it adds to the pirate side of the name, The noble pirate woman, daughter of treasure. But, there is a back story too. Hazine was the name of my first Arizona belly dance instructor. When I was awkward, chubby, and shy, the Fresh Start Women’s Center, in downtown Phoenix, that played host to the writing group also held a weekly belly dance class. If anyone knows what happen to Hazine, please, let me know. I have since lost all track of her. I would like to tell her where I am now.

All of this brings me to want to discuss the origins of other members of Dancers of DeNile and their names. That is better suited for the troupe page. The name Mish Mish did not go away completely.