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

Nomday Happy Holidays!

The holiday parties and dinners are still rolling here in Arizona and so are the interesting recipes and delectable treats. This past weekend we invited a small number of non-blood family members for our annual non-Christmas-Christmas  Dinner. Most of the recipes are traditional to the holiday, but because we never know where everyone will be on Christmas day we host a little bit early.

Main Dish

Baked Ham

Serves Approximately: 8 – 12

Cook Time: 4 Hours

12 lbs. Pre-cooked Ham

1 liter Dr. Pepper

Place the rinsed ham in a roasting pan. Pour in soda. Tent with aluminum foil. Bake at 450.

Side Courses

Mashed Potatoes

Serves Approximately: 8 – 12

Cook Time: 45 Minutes

8 – 10 medium red potatoes, un peeled

4 tblsps butter

1 cup milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Boil potatoes in a large pot until soft. Strain and transfer to a bowl. Mash with a large fork. Add milk and butter and blend until smooth.

Candied Carrots

Serves Approximately: 8 – 12

Cook Time: 45 minutes

6 – 8 medium carrots, sliced

4 tblsps butter

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup honey

Combine all ingredients in a baking dish, cover and cook at 350 for 45 minutes.

Happy Holidays!

For Impact Friday: Alzheimer's Association

As I mentioned in the last For Impact Friday post, this is something I am giving a go at in the interest of expanding my understanding of 501c3 companies and my internship with Public Allies, Arizona. In the first posting I also mentioned that my time with Public Allies is a short span, a mere ten months. Yes, not even a year to attempt to understand such an important part of community. This is not a classroom based experience though, and I always learn much more hands on. While we do spend a fair amount of hours, Fridays mostly, in lectures to better understand the business end of non-profit, the remainder of my nine-to-five weekdays are on those front lines. So, what is my troop?

The Alzheimer’s Association: Desert Southwest Chapter serves to bring help and hope to individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It was not until I found myself with this amazing organization that I realized how much Alzheimer’s already touched my life.

One in six people over 65, in the United States are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia! One in six! After age 85 that increases to 50%. There is no cure. There is no way to vaccinate against it. There is research and hope, but there needs to be more serious focus and awareness from the government.

Heard of the Baby Boom generation? Yes, they are an enormous population and they are about to fall right into this health risk! What is the nation doing to prepare? Not enough. What can you do?  

You can start by contacting the Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your area and requesting information about this terrible degenerative disease. You can offer to be a volunteer educator, and learn how to present the facts to your community. You can train as a facilitator for local support groups. Educate yourself too; how can you protect your brain health, what factors might put you at greater risk? 

Most important, make others aware now that you are. Thank you!

Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter

1028 East McDowell Avenue, Phoenix

www.alz.org/dsw

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!

Nomday: What About Parties?

Happy Nomday after another very busy weekend! With all of the holiday parties and shenanigans complete meals are likely the last thing on anyone’s mind. I know we have been eating and creating finger foods for days! But, they are just as great to toss in your lunch box or pile on as adorable entrees. So, what are some of your favorite things to make and take to potlucks and year end shindigs? Please, no more cookies, fluff salads or cheese and cracker trays! 

How about mini lamb and veggie kabobs?

Mini-crescent dogs?

Home-made pizza rolls?

These are a few to get you started! Happy holidays!

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.