A Very Exciting and Uplifting October

October could be the busiest month so far for me. I am excited, and nervous because I really want to see my classes and events grow. I want to be able to help people with the alternative self care that I offer. I am excited to share some of the amazing events I have planned for the month! There is always time for private bellydance lessons, bellydance gigs and parties, tarot readings in person and online, and of course I am always writing and working on new and exciting projects. Please contact me soon to book for October, November and the Holiday Season! Thank you so much!

October Madness!
Tarot Readings
Metro Center Mall
Mondays, 10am - 9pm
Tuesdays, 10am - 6pm

Bellydance
Foothills Aquatic Center
Tuesdays, 7:10pm - 8:10pm

Bellydance
Rio Vista Recreation Park
Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Creative Writing
Avondale Recreation Center
Thursdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Bellydance
Avondale Recreation Center
Thursdays, 7pm - 8pm

Tarot Classes
Metro Center Mall
Saturdays, 12pm - 1:30pm

Trolls Book Release
October 6th

Automotive Basics (Ladies Only)
Rio Vista Recreation Center
Saturday 11th & 18th, 9am - 11:30am

Bellydance Workshop (FREE)
Evolve Studio
Friday 17th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Red Tent Night (Donations Accepted)
House of Rainbows & Awesome
Thursday 23rd, 6pm - 10pm

Artizona Festival
Sunday 26th, 10am - 4pm

The Clearing

It has been some time since I have posted anything to this particular blog, and while I would like to say that I will be more diligent, there are many other projects also occurring. So, I make no promises. I also, want to offer some brighter news from the front lines.

While I do not feel elated by this, my son has been allowed the opportunity to live with his father for a few months. There is all manner of emotion about this. I miss him. He and I are a team. Even when my now ex husband was away so often, hell, even when he was around though not really “present”, the kid and I would adventure together. We have a unique bond that only children and full-time moms can create. He is my light and joy, and though he is a sarcastic teen now, we are still deeply connected.

So, I do miss his presence in the house, but he needs to see how his father really parents without me there. He also needs to see what is really going on in his father’s life, even if that means learning to understand how to now address a girl that the kid always viewed as an older sister. I am not certain if he will see her as a “mother” figure now, or if the relationship will simply be confusing.

My roommate, and woman who professed to be my “best friend” has also moved on. She has never had strong regard for my feelings in our relationship, and I fully accepted this when I asked her to move in with me. The offer was meant to help her find her heart again. It was a new hurt when she chose to befriend the family members of as well as the girl who so deeply scarred my life, but while unexpected, I suppose it is not altogether out of character.

I am happy that she has found joy in the relationship that I set her up with. I am concerned for her dog that does not seem to get out very much, but I am grateful to not have the constant worry that something is going to happen to the poor animal while in my home or yard.

Now, the real blessings, for me. I am no longer afraid to come home. For quite some time, especially after my son moved out, I felt like an outcast under my own roof. I felt that the classes I taught, the people that I invited in, were an annoyance to my roommate. I felt as though I was responsible for her unhappiness and I tried hard to for several months to suppress who I was in order to make her feel more comfortable.

The energy is so much clearer now though! I feel that I can breathe without worry. And, with a clear house comes a clear head, and renewed energy to make my life my own at last.

My home is open to all of the wonderful women who dance here. I am also thrilled to invite men and women who write for gatherings and sharing ideas. As things progress I will be opening the doors to do tarot readings and host open discussions on art, writing, and other subjects. I have a gallery wall to share with new artists looking to sell their work as well. The Red Tent nights are a monthly gathering that I created as a gift to my roommate, to make her feel more comfortable, that I never expected to find so much joy in even after her desire to attend had waned.

I feel as if I can breathe and that every breath brings more positive energy into my home. Please contact me if you find any of this enjoyable! My home is open to all positive energy!

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

bint Hazine: Bellydance Classes 2013

Classes are officially over for the year! No really this time! But it is only a few weeks before we start up again! Check out these great upcoming sessions starting in January 2013!

Mondays

7:00pm – 8:00pm

Rehearsals with bint Hazine

*Please contact AdeebA if you are interested in joining this very exciting troupe of dancers.*

Tuesdays

7:10pm – 8:10pm

Foothills Aquatic Center

5600 West Union Hills Drive, Glendale

8 Week Session

*Sign-up via Glendale Parks and Recreation*

Wednesdays

6:30pm – 7:30pm

Rio Vista Recreation Center

8866 West Thunderbird Road, Peoria

8 week session

*Sign-up via Peoria Parks and Recreation*

Saturdays

10:00am – 11:00am

Phoenix Civic Space Park

444 Central Avenue, Phoenix

Drop-in

FREE

It is my hope as well as the ladies of bint Hazine that you shimmy right into the New Year!

bint Hazine Civic Space Park: Week One

This first week at Civic Space Park in Phoenix was rather quiet, but Ana and I did work out some great plans for next week. Once again, we invite you to join us at the A.E. England Building for a morning of belly dancing fun! This is a free drop-in class, though we do request a canned food donation to St. Mary’s Food Bank. 

Here is the new information for next week:

Civic Space Park, A.E. England Building

444 Central Avenue, Phoenix

Saturdays, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

All Ages (under 15 must be accompanied by an adult)

FREE

*requested canned goods donations for St. Mary’s Food Bank through January*

These classes are drop-in so we will review week to week and build on skills more than choreography but we will have a ton of fun! The first week will be all about posture, poses and positioning as we gain comfort in a brand new location. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement.

bint Hazine: Annoucing New Classes!

I know students were as bummed out as I was upon hearing we had all of November and December off at Rio Vista and Foothills recreation centers. I have great news! Starting in December I am teaching in Phoenix again! 

Here is the rundown:

Civic Space Park, A.E. England Building

444 North Central Avenue, Phoenix

Saturdays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

All Ages (under 15 must be accompanied by an adult)

FREE

*requested canned goods donations for St. Mary’s Food Bank through December*

These classes are drop-in so we will review week to week and build on skills more than choreography but we will have a ton of fun! The first week will be all about posture, poses and positioning as we gain comfort in a brand new location. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement.

Foothills: Week Six

Thank you again ladies for another amazing night! The dance is coming along amazingly! Just think of all you have accomplished in just six hours of hard work! And really, that is what it boils down to. Next week is our last week to perfect this choreography for a mini performance! Can you believe it? I can! From the novices that first walked in that door I knew I was blessed with a group that would be shimmying their way out into the world!

The surprise visit last week from the male bally dancers was quite an amusing treat but even they were serious business when it came to focusing and learning the moves. I was very impressed and I do wish someone had recorded the experience. 

While you anxiously await next week’s class, when we will no longer rely on that mirror, watch the youtube.com videos on the Easalle Channel. Remembering the entire two minutes of choreography is difficult but there is nothing wrong with using a few tricks to watch your peers for cues. Use your peripheral vision, consider word association to go with the music, own it!

Thank you ladies! See you next week!