June update

June was such a busy and great month for me.  I danced with some of my students at a Bollywood event in Wolverhampton town center, I was a little worried about performing at this event as the dance we performed is a Bollywood/Bellydance fusion and the audience was predominantly Indian but everyone seemed to like us.  The next day I went to a workshop with Hilde Canoodt - this was fabulous.  She had with her a live band and taught us some very lively gypsy dancing, I loved it and also loved watching her dance with the band at The Chaos Charousal Show.

I also danced with my student group at Kinver carnival - this was a nice event to dance at - very well organised and well attended and my students all got over their nerves and danced well - I was a very proud lady.  The following weekend was Willenhall Carnival where I danced with just 2 of my students - its nerve wracking dancing in such a small group but Liz and Andrea again did me proud.  The next day I danced with my troupe Shikidim in West Park for the Compton Hospice fundraising event.  We were all trying out our new tango costume but unfortunately we got soaked dancing - my troupe all continued dancing in the pouring rain with a big smile on their faces - true professionals!

This month I also did my first hen party.  I was a little nervous about this but figured I should just do what I normally do when I teach a workshop.  I very quickly realised that the group were not really interested in perfecting technique and so I adapted my plan to simply provide a fun session where they learnt a very simple routine to dance at the wedding - they all seemed very happy with this and I will definitely take more hen party bookings.

I am also happy to report that my new class in Kingswinford is going very well, the class is pretty much full every week and they are a lovely group.  They have learnt so much so quickly.  I am very thankful that all 3 of my classes are very well attended and would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the ladies who turn up come rain or shine.

I was glad of a few days away in Somerset - although some sun would have been nice but I enjoyed resting my body and planing all the events for July which is promising to be yet another busy month.  I have my summer student hafla where I am hoping to see lots of my lovely students perform their own work.  I am also teaching a make-up workshop on the 12 July, I still have a couple of places available for this.  My troupe will be dancing at Chelmarsh summer fete on the 14th July - this is my favourite booking of the year and will be about my 7th year of dancing there.  We will be showcasing all the new fusion dances that we have learnt in the past year.  I am also teaching another hen party in Birmingham on the 21st which I am very excited about.  Also I am teaching a costuming workshop on the 30th August.  This is kind of ironic as my sewing skills are not that good but lots of people have been urging me to teach them how to decorate their own bras so I am going to give it a go.

When I do this little review of the past month I always think to myself how lucky I am.  I am kept very busy by belly dance - I often wonder if I am getting too old but I am happy to say I am offered more work belly dancing these days than I ever have.