The Bellydance Blog
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The Last Birthday Dance?
A week and a half ago I belly danced for a birthday party in Orlando that changed me forever. It was a typical Saturday night; I had just finished dancing at a couple parties and arrived at the last house ready to be snuck in by the host to get prepared for the last show of the night. The host was a wonderful woman throwing a birthday party for her husband…nothing seemed unusual, and the family was so warm, and the energy was electrifying. After my show I took a couple photos with the host, her husband, family and guests. The husband was so happy and thanked me again and again. We talked, we laughed, and after a few more photographs I went back to change into regular clothes and pack.
Ten minutes later came a knock and the host entered and we started to chat. Long story short, she told me that this could possibly be the last birthday celebration she and her husband would have. Turns out the birthday boy, who I just chatted with, took photographs with, and laughed with, was struggling with cancer and it was not looking good at all. In fact the reason the whole family had flown in was due to his deteriorating state. After my performance, she said that their children had prepared dances in honor of their father, and that their teen daughter would dance a waltz with her father due to the fact that he might not be around long enough to do this with her when the time came.
I just looked at this woman and I did not know what to say…what could I say? Finally I felt some courage and told her to be strong, that she had a wonderful family, and that sometimes miracles do happen, but what an overwhelming feeling of sadness that raced into my heart. So why do I tell you this story? Because it made me realize that at these private parties it is so much more than a show, it is a memory that lasts forever. I will never forget this family, and I will never forget now how precious every moment is.
I appreciate my clients so much, but now I see things more deeply than ever. Dancers, never forget the impact you make on others lives at every moment. It can be the last time you see them, it can mean inspiration to start dancing themselves, it can mean families reuniting after years apart, it can affect how younger children feel towards get-togethers, and it can cause a strengthened bond between family members after the event. I will never forget this man and his big smile and kind words. Happiness is the feeling I will always remember him and his family by, and that is what you always want to know as you leave. Twenty or thirty minutes of your time, can mean a lifetime of memories for a family, so make the most of every moment, never give anything less than 100%, and never forget that this can be the last time. So make it the best moments of their lives.
America/Spanish Wedding in Orlando and Thirteenth Moon Photography…
Today is a wonderful day for this photograph loving Orlando belly dancer, I just received pictures from the wonderful Thirteenth Moon Photography who captured the magic at a wedding I performed in last month. The Hafley wedding was set in the gorgeous Metro West Country Club in Orlando,FL and what a delight to combine the bride and grooms cultural backgrounds of American and Spanish (form Spain) into the show. The maid of honor wanted to surprise the bride and groom and surprised they were! Mixing flamenco and belly dance is such a joy of mine and the family loved every second of it. Thank you for choosing me to perform at your wedding!
I wanted to extend a huge thank you to Thirteenth Moon photography who not only captured gorgeous, dynamic photographs, but were such a pleasure to work with. They are extremely talented and if you are a bride here in Orlando I highly recommend them. They are down to earth, talented, and easy to work with. Here are some fabulous shots from the Hafley wedding performance, and if you would like more information about Thirteenth Moon or to book them for your event, please visit their website at http://www.thirteenthmoonphotography.com
Belly Dance Haters!
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This is for all of my friends and fellow dancers who have felt the wrath of belly dance haters. Like many, I have worked hard, and continued to push forward to achieve success. Along the journey several bumps have come along from “mysterious” people who are so jealous, that they band together and try to create negative situations. These people are what we call “Haters”. Haters are jealous of others success and happiness, and rather than congratulate, try to knock others down on their road to success.
A dear friend of mine inspired me to write this because she is undergoing bouts with haters, and she is letting it get to her, which is a big NO-NO. If you are a talented dancer out there, with a lot to offer, and you love what you do, DO NOT let these haters bring you down or keep you from achieving the success you have worked hard for. This friend of mine will barely perform at events at this point because the haters will stir up so much crap talk that she does not even want to deal with it anymore. But who is the winner? My friend ends up losing, because she does not put herself out there for the world to see how sincerely amazing of a performer she is, and like all marketing……if people do not know that you (product/service) exist, then they will not know to hire you! So the winner, when you give in, are unfortunately these nasty people. They are the ones who ARE at the events, waiting to see if you will show up…if they won…if they succeeded in causing you to break down, and not perform.
Last year there was a whole group of women that banded together and were so hateful they actually went up to an event organizer and told this organizer not to let me perform believe it or not! Another group, went up to a workshop host, and told the host not to hire me! Talk about haters! In both situations I will admit that these startling facts did sting, but do you think that kept me or the hosts (who know me and know that I am not a bad person) from going forward? The opposite, I performed and taught, I showed up to both events with full strength, and I challenged these mystery women to come up and tell their garbage to my face…..not ONE did. These people are two faced, barely even know you in most cases, and now these hosts know what terrible and ridiculous people these haters are.
So for all my fellow dance sisters experiencing haters, do not let it bring you down! These people hate on you because you are achieving success and they are not. They are jealous, two faced (I bet you some are on my friends list and reading this blog right now!), and not worth your time, nor your tears. The best payback is success, so keep working hard, and when you feel like it is unbearable watch this video by Kat Williams. It will have a smile on your face in no time! XOXOX
P.S. The challenge still stands firm haters, come tell me your issues to my face .
Belly Dance Workshops with Jennifer May26-27th in Jacksonville!
Hello everyone, I ampleased to announce that I will be teaching a workshop series in Jacksonville from May 26-27th at the Anais Belly Dance studio in Jacksonvill, FL. Saturday will be strictly for private lesson requests, and Sunday will be a jam packed workshop day with 2 workshops. The first workshop focuses on my unique style and approach to belly dance as well as explosive combinations. The second workshop will be an upbeat and dynamic choreography to Shik Shak Shok. To reserve your spot in the workshops please visit the following link: Purchase Workshops and Hafla Tickets
Whihc brings me to the last fun component. I will be performing at the Hafla Celebration at the studio at the conclusion of the workshops so please buy your ticket and bring your loved ones. See you there!
Belly Dancing with Double Scoliosis
A couple months ago I was judging a belly dance audition and the topic came up of a dancer who was in pain due to her scoliosis, and limiting her dancing becaaue of it. Scoliosis for those of us who have never heard of this before, is a medical condition where your spine rather than being straight, becomes curved (looks like an “S” on an x-ray usually). The curving of the spine causes pressure on the back and ribs and results in pain/abnormailites and stiffness of the back.
Usually in middle school screenings is when the condition is found amongst young teens, as it is during those growth spurt years that the spine can go haywire and curve during the rapid growth, and that was the case with me when I was 15. I was diagnosed with scoliosis and not just a light and common positioned one in the lower back, but a pretty mild one of 33 degrees at the time in the upper back! The pain was very intense throughout high school and definitely was felt all the time when I did marching band and other sports. It was very frustrating as doctors could not really do much, and nothing really helped to reduce the pain, or reduce the unevenness of my shoulders.
As a belly dancer the pain is always present but I have learned to ignore it. Giving into scoliosis will not help you achieve your goals. You cannot let it consume you. You just need to learn to live with it and do what you love. As I have gotten older, my body has tried to balance out the pressure, resulting in double scoliosis believe it or not! Not only do I have a pretty deep curve at the top of my spine, but now I have one in my lower back as an attempt by nature to try and even things outl!
All I have to say is, yes…it is painful….yes your back is stiffer than most…but you CAN do it! Many of you have seen my crazy back bends and what not. Mind over matter is what I say! If you want to belly dance and your scoliosis is not at a dangerous state, be strong, and do what you love. I have learned to live with the pain, and don’t pay any attention to it anymore. If anything it has made me a better person believe it or not. My posture is impeccable at all times. Having perfect posture reduces the pain so I learned very quickly when i was 15 to just stand up straight to feel a little relief. Secondly, It has taught me to just “suck it up” as they say and keep the complaints to myself. It is painful yes, but complaining about it and looking for sympathy won’t help, so just be strong.
There are exercises that one can do to help reduce some of the curvature by a little bit. I am currently doing these and they are not only easy, but require 5 minutes of the day. So hopefully in 6 months I can have less curvature. Another tip I was given recently is to strengthen your back muscles so that they pressure your spine to the center. (an endeavor I will be attempting this spring break with circus arts courses).
So be strong, don’t give up, and take measures to try and reduce and maintain your spine. Where there is a will there is a way, and I know first hand how it feels with bad scoliosis, so you are not alone, but you can do this!
Put Some Personality into Your Zills!
Zills are a staple in belly dance, and often one of the first things that are tossed into a bag. These brass beauties need some TLC every once in a while though and what’s more there are fun ways to decorate them, or add some spunk to these tiny treasures. Here are some tips for extending the life of your zills, and making them more attractive for the belly dance diva in you 🙂
Step 1: Decorating your Zills
1. Something I do personally is add hotfix stones to blingify my Zills. This not only makes it look pretty and sparkly, but I add stones in different patterns so I know easily which pair is for my thumbs and which for my middle fingers as you can see by the photograph.
2. Another cool and fun way to perk up your zills is to add patterned specialty elastic. There are some fun ones online that you can ourchase, just make sure that they are strong elastics not the cheap elastics that wear quickly. Some places that sell patterned elastics are companies such as Strapworks.
Here is an example of some pretty patterned elastic they sell. They have plenty more styles and there are more companies that offer this. Just do a simple Google search 🙂
Step 2: Setting up your ZillLs Correctly so they LAST
1. Double up your elastic! Take a long enough strip of elastic, fold it in half and pass both layers through your zill holes (will require some muscle lol). Doubling up will not make your elastic wear as quickly.
2. Measure elastic around finger and cut off 1/4 and above excess elastic (this extra 1/4″ is what you will put bling on if you desire).
3. Once you cut the excess, burn the edges of your elastic so they do not ever unravel. This makes them look crisp, clean, and professional
4. Decorate the excess or shine up your Zills with BRASSO so they always look clean and shiny.
5. Enjoy!
Hope this inspires a little creativity and tlc with your Zills. If you have any more ideas or any comments, please submit them below. I would love to hear them!!
New Blog Setup- the Birthday Belly Dance Post
So today is my birthday and what was one of my wishes you say? Well it was to unveil the brand new blog setup that you see here. You can now comment directly onto my website and let me know how you feel without the hassle of going back and forth through Facebook! The blog is separated into 2 catgories: Blog Posts 2011, and Blog Posts 2012.
So please share your thoughts on here, and if you have linked to my blog in the past i am sorry for the inconvenience…but you will need to update the url to the link :(. To make the change less painful for you i can email you the link if you wish so you do not have to search through my mountains of blog posts.
Nothing makes me happier than better serving my clients and community, so this definitely was a great birthday wish and I hope you enjoy the little changes throughout the site. Enjoy 😉
Belly Dance New Years Resolutions…
2011 is not yet over, but what a fantastic year it was for my belly dance company in Orlando. From launching a website, to a new featured billboard, to more bookings, and meeting some amazing and kind people, this year was truly spectacular. If you know me personally, you know that I never stop working on my craft or juggling the multiple roles that I play. As I look back on 2011 there were so many lessons learned, and I look forward to making 2012 not just better, but out of this world! I like any one else have my set of new years resolutions that I am determined to accomplish. I am determined more than ever to see my dreams come true, and step by step, I hope to get there. Here are my New Years Resolution in terms of a belly dancer 🙂 What are yours? Feel free to share them on my fanpage.
2012 Belly Dance New Years Resolutions
1. Improve my health! 2011 was not the best for my health, between chalazion surgeries, allergies, a sprained back and what not, 2012 I will do everything it takes to strengthen my immune sytem and body. I booked a swim suit shoot to motivate myself to do it fast too!
2. Surround Myself with Positive People– The vast majority of dancers and industry pro’s I have met are fabulous but 2011 marked the year of heightened jealousy amongst rivals, and also an unfortunate event where someone took advantage of my kindness. This year I will strive to be less oblivious to evil and more wary of who I surround myself with in my circle.
3. Bulk Up My Marketing– Last Years success fuels this years new and improved marketing strategy which will feature a newsletter to stay in touch with all my friends, fans, and clients. Some website upgrades will also be coming about, as well as some secret weapons I cannot disclose lol. So spread the word about Orlando belly dancer Jennifer or Bellydance By Jennifer Inc.!
4. Refine my Financial Goals– running a business, getting a Masters, and then technical school by day can really take a toll. Thankfully 2011 was very successful and not only was I able to churn profits, but thankfully I am credit card debt free for the first time in 4 years woo hoo! This year I want to save save save, and begin planning for the rest of my life, starting with a refined cashflow statement and maybe even open up a retirement fund.
5. Better Myself- No one is perfect and it is important to always analyze yourself inwardly from time to time. This year I hope to be more trusting, to become a better person, to do more for the less fortunate, to make more time for loved ones, and to continue to try and unite the area I live in.
6. Girls Days!– I want to make it a point to make a once a month fun day with my circle of gals. It is soo needed and such a rare treat in 2011, but in 2012 I want to make it into a bonafied “holiday” that is celebrated once a month.
Have a Happy New Years everyone and here’s to a more successful and happy New Year to us all in 2012!
Belly Dancer for Parties in Orlando and Beyond…
I would say that some things to know when looking for a belly dancer in Orlando to dance at your holiday party are:
– This is our busiest season (along with wedding season) so the sooner you give us notice the better the chances of being able to squueze in your fabulous event.
– No matter what your beliefs, belly dancers still fit into most holiday parties.
– Make sure you look at videos and choose the absolute best performer. Your friends and family are here, choose the best to impress them.
Have a fantastic Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, and etc… Hope to belly dance at your party soon and get the whole family dancing along with me!
Random Belly Dance Health Tips…
#1: All serious dancers should take glucosamine. It is a supplement that is great for your bones, and we all need that with all the bending, and crazy movements we do. This can be found pretty much everywhere (wal-mart, publix, walgreens) and is inexpensive.
#2: Teeth whitening strips are terrible for your teeth. They mess up your natural tooth shield and leave white stains on your teeth..not good.
#3: Dove has this fantastic new deoderant (I have been on it for 3 months) that reduces hair growth and helps nourish underarm skin. I am notorious for dry shaving right before I gig, so this has been great and although slow to work, is finally giving me results, so heck why not try it ladies.
#4: My latest obsession is gel nail polish. I hate fake nails and the harmful effects they have on natural nails so I, like most women, had slaved away every few days painting my nails, to only have them chip a day later after sewing or washing. Opi has a line of gel polishes that are softer, more maleable, and light than the gel you use for fake nails. This gel polish is harmless to your nail, has no odor, and get this…lasts up to 30 days!! I was skeptical at first, but am now on my third full manicure and it truly lasts. Best thing is my natural nails are strong, long, and look amazing and I have to put no effort woo hoo!
#5: Sore after a hard night of gigging? Instead of the usual pain pills, take a fish oil tablet. It won’t kill your liver, it is natural, and acts as a anti-flamatory.
Ok will cut it off here. Hope this helps 🙂
Body Image and Shape…Belly Dance Style
Yesterday I had a great convo with a friend of mine about weight, health, and body image. As a performer, I have met tons of women in all shapes and sizes, and with all sorts of outlooks about beauty and weight (which is a popular topic in this industry). In America a lot of emphasis is placed on looks. It is a multibillion dollar industry and we have all been conditioned to think that the ideal beauty is someone that is tall, skinny, and etc… As belly dancers and performers, these ideals have really caused a lot of pressure on women who just do not fit into this mold. So deeply rooted is this ideal that some women go to dangerous lengths to try to reach this “look” even if it means destroying their health. Which brings me to two cases.
1) The first is a beautiful, tall, blond I met who is super skinny. It happens that this woman, believes that she is “fat” as she calls herself. This woman I would guess probably weighs no more than 115 pounds despite her tall stature, and refuses to eat correctly because she feels she is not skinny enough! This girl is beautiful naturally, but unfortunately she does not see it anymore and is ruining her body/health.
2) My friend brought up the case of a woman she knows who is obese. Rather than accepting her curves, she overly praises herself and tells everyone she has the best figure in town even though behind all the humor she is severely unhappy and eating poorly. Some woman are large and proud but she is not, and pretends that she is proud only when in front of people.
Moral of the two cases? Women 1 is unhealthily skinny but tells everyone she is fat. Woman 2 is morbidly obese and tells everyone she is skinny. Both women refuse to really look at the issue here and accept the way they look. Their perceptions are quite distorted.
As women we strive to look our best, that does not mean that we should strive to look like someone else who is of a super different and incomparable shape. If I had paid any attention to what someone ELSE thought I should strive to look like I would probably be quite unhealthy and unhappy as the “ideal” that we have been fed to strive to look like is physically impossible for me to ever attain.
It worries me when I hear women who are full figured say that they are too heavy and want to drop down to x size because that is what they are “supposed’ to fit into. I have met some gorgeous full figured women, and the pressure to fit into a size zero breaks their spirit. Some things are physically not healthy, and your height, genes, bone structure and etc… should be the determining factor of your healthy size range, not some magazine cover with a woman who comes from a completely different make up. It is not healthy! The opposite is true. I have met a woman who was “flat as a board” as she called herself, got butt implants, breast implants, fat transfers, and now looks drastically different and is in terrible health and on her 6th surgery because she got an infection on her skin!
Weight is a sensitive issue here but generally, make sure you are healthy, make sure to eat well, and that if you are dancer you give your body the fuel it needs. I used to beat myself up because I was not tall enough to fit into costumes, and too skinny to fill them out. Then I just realized, I am never going to be 6ft tall, I am never going to gain the amount of weight to suit that type of size, and you know what?…that is alright, I just need to be happy with my physical/inner self and be the best that I can be.
Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am 5’2″, short torsoed, muscular build, and proud. Some say I am too skinny, I don’t care! Some say I am too short, I don’t care! I am who I am, and I make sure to stay healthy and take care of myself. Now go look in the mirror and love who you are! “Beauty” is what you make of it.
What I am Thankful For…Belly Dance Style
t is already November and being that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, it is only appropriate to write a little something to share my appreciation. This year has been magical to say the least. It began with my new website redesign that I put a lot of love into and has really broadened my client base and allowed me to connect with so many dancers across the world.
1. I am thankful for the amazing belly dance community I am a part of. I have met some inspiring, classy, and sincere individuals this year and it is a pleasure to be able to call you girls my friends.
2. I am thankful for the ability to finally have incorporated my business. I have been in business 6 years and going strong, and so much more to come in 2012 I can barely contain my excitement.
3. I am thankful for the ability to dance full time and make a living off of my passion for so many years and the fact that my business is growing and growing. There are many great friends of mine who were not so lucky due to the recession.
4. I am thankful for all the wonderful people who believe in me, support me, fans, teachers, mentors, organizers, etc… for giving me the opportunity to teach workshops, perform for beautiful gala events, and share my dance.
5. I am thankful for all the bumps in the road. They make me stronger.I have a tougher skin because of them, and it has helped me realize who I can truly trust, and that hard work pays off.
6. I am thankful for my health. I do not have the most balanced system and can get very sick at times and this year was no different, but I am always grateful that I have never had to experience worse and that thankfully I do have my health.
7. I am thankful for my family and loved ones. We all need those people in our lives who are there for us no matter what and keep us sane. I cannot begin to thank you all enough for your love.
The list can go on and on, but this is a blog not a thesis so I will try to cut it here. It feels like a dream sometimes, all the great moments this year… workshops with my idols, shows across Florida, Jamaica, sewing costumes, magazines, billboards, radio, t.v., I really have much to be thankful for and it can all go away at any moment so I truly from the bottom of my heart will never take it for granted. It is a lot of hard work, and would not be possible without the support of everyone involved. Thank you , gracias, and good night. Now let’s stuff ourselves with turkey! 
Photo at top right by: Carrie Mullins LLC.
Photo on left: Enjoying a great night with friends
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