I decided to drop one of my classes at the college as all the paperwork is driving me crazy. This has now given me a free night to pursue other interests and I have started attending a Tribal Fusion class with the very wonderful Bex Priest. I really wanted to do her Dark Fusion class but that it is on a night in which I teach my own class. Tribal fusion, to be honest is my least favourite style of Belly Dance. I could watch Rachel Brice for hours but am bored by all the copy-cats out there, they all seem to take themselves so seriously!!! I also feel it is a style more suited to the younger dancer, however I am very much enjoying Bex's class. I had been wowed every time I saw her dance but being a good dancer does not necessarily mean you can teach well too. Bex can teach and its just so nice to be a student again. No lesson plans/evaluations, Scheme of work, learner plans, hunting for music, dragging my trolley case - just turning up, doing a lot of yoga (which at first dismayed me but my back is appreciating it) and practising technique.
My own dancing has taken a new direction too. At one time I was very much a purist when it came to belly dancing. I felt uneasy about mixing dance styles but I think my confidence in choreography skills has grown and now I am much more adventurous. I am presently teaching a Bolly/Belly fusion - the students seem to be enjoying it - one lady, who attends Bollywood classes regularly said she preferred my version as it is not so frantic. The dance I am working on is a Tango fusion. I took ballroom classes for many years when I was younger and the Tango was always my favourite - it appeals to my drama queen personality. I found a piece of music which I love with the intention of doing a burlesque style dance to it - however as I listened to it I found myself wanting to Tango and so it has evolved into a Bellytango.
The other new direction for me is I am now going to teach workshops. This is a new venture for me. I have always taught for the Adult Education colleges and whilst the paperwork drives me insane it is pretty safe job. I don't have to advertise or hire a room as they do all that for me but with all the cut-backs I think the future of Adult Education is bleak. Gem invited me to teach a workshop after giving them a demonstration in November. I am planning on teaching a cheeky Egyptian style choreography but find planning a workshop much trickier than planning a class as I have no idea of the abilities of the students attending. I also have other workshops in the pipeline and I will keep you posted about them.
Oh dear, I have rambled on in this blog! I think blogs and solo's should both be short and sweet and this one is far too long. hope you have not nodded off!
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