FALLING INTO FALL

 Happy Labor Day everyone!
 Eek!  It's the last weekend of summer... how can that be? Back to school, back to work and  I'm rolling into fall with a full schedule, which you can see  below.      

Photo & design by Maharet Hughes

 Many of you have been emailing me asking  when The Belly Dance Handbook will be published.  Excited to announce that the release date for that book is November 11, 2013. I can't wait for you to see it- it's been a labor of love and I hope you enjoy it!

 In the meantime, I have another book coming out  under my given name, Pleasant  Gehman.  It's a collection of  short stories that is a memoir, called Showgirl Confidential: My Life Onstage, Backstage And On The Road. It is published by Punk Hostage Press  at the end of September, 2013.  This book includes crazy  touring and on-the-road stories  from my wild days in punk rock to belly dancing in Egypt, from film shoots to burlesque escapades-you've seen a couple of them on this blog... Both books will be available on Amazon.com and through my website.

Photo by Dusti Cunningham design by Natasha Vetlugin

 I'm also excited to announce that next year, as well as doing my own "solo" dates,  I'll be touring with master percussionist Issam Houshan!  He was the very first drummer I ever worked with and  after years of working separately, we're reuniting.  We've cooked up a bunch of  cool workshops  and we are now booking dates now for next year and 2015.  For info please email:

 princessraqs@gmail.com

Photo: Maharet Hughes

                                                                                                  

 Workshop & Event Schedule

 (so far)  2013-2014

SEPTEMBER 15, HARRISBURG, PA   

Princess Farhana  workshops & show

Info: tonirn97@gmail.com   

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Troupe-Hayati-Belly-Dance/119887311374241

SEPTEMBER 29, HOLLYWOOD, CA

Book Release Party for Pleasant Gehman/Princess Farhana’s

Memoir, “Showgirl Confidential”

Skinny’s Lounge 4923 Lankershim, NoHo 6:30 PM FREE

https://www.facebook.com/events/301983199939593/?ref=br_tf

OCTOBER 4-6, 2013  ST. JOHN. NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA 

Princess Farhana workshops & shows

Info: http://www.naturalmovesyoga.com/

OCTOBER 10-13, 2013  AUSTIN, TEXAS

Bahaia’s  Camparet- Cabaret Dance Camp!

Princess Farhana, Bahaia & Sa’Diyya

http://bahaia.com/

OCTOBER 25 &  26, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC

 Belladonna Presents: Raven’s Night “Villains”

PrincessFarhana show & workshops

Info: http://ravensnight.com/2013-performers/

OCTOBER 29, 2013 HOLLYWOOD, CA

Tiara Tuesdays Belly Dance Showcase 7:00pm

Moun Of Tunis 7445 ½ Sunset Blvd

Hollywood, Ca 90046

Reservations: (323)874-3333

NOV 4,  2013 NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA

Princess Farhana  presents Amani Jabril CD release party

Skinny’s Lounge 4923 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA

http://www.amanijabril.com/

 NOVEMBER  8, 2013, UPLAND, CA

GOTHLA US

“Darkly Sparkly”  Glamour Garage

 w/ Princess, DeVilla & Dusti Cunningham

 make up, photo posing, mini photo session

www.gothla.com

NOVEMBER 25, 2013  HOLLYWOOD, CA

Tiara Tuesdays Belly Dance Showcase 7:00pm

Moun Of Tunis 7445 ½ Sunset Blvd Hollywood, Ca 90046

Reservations: (323)874-3333

DECEMBER 8, 2013, ALHAMBRA, CA

 Old Scool Cabaret sets by Princess, Aubre, Ninschka

 Vino/ Trios, 47 Main st. Alhambra, Ca  7pm

 DECEMBER 10, 2013 N. HOLLYWOOD, CA

Second Annual “Jingle Belles Holiday Extravaganza”

 Skinny’s Lounge 4923 Lankershim, NoHo, Ca

6:30 PM $12.00

  Please bring an un-wrapped toy suitable for ages 3-12

2014

  MARCH 20-23, 2014 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Art Of The Bellly

Princess Farhana Drama Queen  Intensive March 20

 Workshops & show March 22& 23

info: http://www.artofthebelly.com/

APRIL 18 & 19, 2014   EUGENE  OREGON- WITH ISSAM HOUSHAN

Info: www.medge.org

May 3, 2014  TULSA, OK

Princess Farhana Workshops & show

(Details TBA)

MAY  30, 2014  , TOPEKA, KANSAS –WITH ISSAM HOUSHAN

JULY 11-13, 2014  EL PASO, TEXAS –WITH ISSAM HOUSHAN 

TIPS FOR CREATING AND REMEMBERING CHOREOGRAPHY

 Some dancers have a knack for creating, analyzing and remembering choreographies; others…well, not so much!  I've been getting a lot of emails asking for tips on self-creating dances and  also retaining the steps in choreographies that others have written...so here are some tricks that will help you work on your own, train yourself to remember sequencing and remember all the information in the dances that others have created.

 Creating Your Own Choreographies:

 TRUST YOUR SUBCONCIOUS TO HELP YOU VISUALIZE MOVEMENT

Before making a set choreography to a piece of music, let your “inner dancer” take over. Play the music you want to work with and just improvise to it a few times.  Chances are, your right brain will take over and create lovely movement appropriate for the music you are hearing. The right or artistic side of the brain is associated with expressing emotion, listening to or creating music, recognizing faces, colors and images.

LOOK FOR THE PATTERNS

Once you’ve done some improvisation with the music you’ve chosen to choreograph, you’ll probably start to see patterns in your movement, so write them down and hone them into “natural” combinations.  Choreography is never just a string of unrelated movements, so by working organically, you will definitely see the relationship of each movement, which will help with the flow and transitions. Take notes on what steps you’re using, so you will remember them- you can always add on to them or embellish upon them later.

BREAK IT UP

Evaluate the structure of your song, breaking it into segments such as Introduction, Verses, Choruses, Bridge and Finale. If you’re working with a drum solo, do the same thing with repeating patterns and rhythmic changes.  One you’ve divided the piece into segments, you’ll have a clear picture of what needs to be repeated, or where you can add in variations. This way, you’ll also have bite-sized chunks of the full song, and can work on each section individually until it gets fully ingrained mentally and in your muscle memory.

 Memorizing Choreographies Created By Others:

REPETITION IS YOUR FRIEND

Don’t be shy about asking your teacher, troupe director or the person who created a solo piece for you to repeat sections as much as is necessary. Repetition will help you remember the choreography physically and mentally. Drill the piece endlessly facing the mirror, and away from it, so that your muscle memory takes over.

CREATE  NICKNAMES FOR MOVEMENT

 This seems a little wacky, but when we nickname a person, it means we’re feeling comfortable and getting to know them. Same goes for choreographies- calling each movement or section by an unforgettable and visual name will actually help you become more familiar with it! Instead of something like “sixteen counts of turning hip drops”, use a crazy title for the section like “Slutty Genie”, "Weird Horror Movie Sequence" or “Michael Jackson Saidi”.  It’s a trick that is actually a treat for the mind’s eye, and will help you to remember each section.

USE EYE CONTACT AND BODY AWARENESS

Both of these techniques will help you to know where you need to be at any particular point in your group choreography. Catch the eye of a troupe mate; be aware of distance and placement as you form different patterns within the group.

For Any Type Of Choreography, Group Or Solo:

Write everything down on the spot, then type up the notes after you get home. This will not only give you something to refer to, but the writing and copying will also help your brain adapt to everything your body does.

Focus on just one aspect of the choreography each time you dance it. The first time through concentrate on the footwork only, the second, third or fourth time give attention to the arms, hips, upper body or whatever.

Once you feel comfortable with the choreography, videotape yourself doing it, facing towards the camera and away from it. You can also ask your teacher or choreographer to do the same. Seeing the dance performed both ways will help you remember it fully, and you’ll also be able to follow along exactly to the version done with the performer’s back to the camera.

 Last but not least, trust yourself. By relying too much on your teacher, choreographer or troupe mates, you run the risk of being unable to perform the piece by yourself!

  You can do it!

PREENING YOUR PLUMAGE: CARING FOR YOUR FEATHER PROPS AND COSTUMES

Princess Farhana by Clint Marien

 Oh, we  dancers love us some feathers!

 Whether you’re rocking a showgirl  headdress,  a lusciously fat boa, humongous  Sally Rand fans, or  wearing  a costume trimmed with feathers, they always look  sensational onstage. They waft through the air looking elegant and ethereal or flirtatiously accent every shimmy; the phrase “shake your tail feathers” comes to mind! 

Beautiful, high quality  plumed costumes, props and accessories are also expensive.

In order to keep your costumes and props in tip-top shape, should definitely know should know how to maintain them.  One of the first things you need to remember about caring for your feather boas and fans  is that they  pick up oils from your skin quite easily. Your  natural sebaceous oils will stick to the feathers and attract more dirt.  Always wash your hands before using your fans or wearing your boas. Also, don’t wear any  potentially sticky or oily body lotions when using these props. And remember…lip gloss is literally  The Kiss Of Death onstage – not just cause it will mess up your feather  props and costume pieces, but because you’ll spend the entire show spitting errant fluff out of your mouth!

 

Here are some tips on maintaining your feather props and costume pieces:

SALLY RAND  FAN   AND OSTRICH PLUME FAN  STORAGE , CLEANING & TRANSPORTATION

Store your  plumed beauties in one of those long, sturdy locking plastic containers-Rubbermaid makes a terrific, rectangular  giant sized one…you can usually fir a couple of sets of fans in these without cramping them. Make sure to lay the feathers into the container  with the plumes facing up so you won’t break the spins.  These containers are easy to find at places like Target and Walmart. Before sealing the box for storage, make  sure to add in cedar chip sachets or  plenty of cedar balls to prevent insect infestation- moths adore fans!

Stubby Screwdrivers

 Check and maintain your fans thoroughly before each performance. Keep a  Fan Emergency Kit with you in your bag  whenever you’re gigging. It should include an extra  hex bolt  in case the one on the butt-end of your fan blades gets stripped,  a tube of  crazy glue in case your feathers start releasing from the staves,  and some pliable craft wire and a jewelry pliers. You’ll also need  a “stubby screw driver”- an adorable teensy tool that often comes with both a straight  head and a Phillips ( star-shaped) head. They’re really  inexpensive  and even come in bright colors like purple, pink and aqua!     You can even add a 3^rd string to the other two, closer to the screw end of the blades.  

I have a specially made carrying case for transporting  my Sally Rand  fans to local gigs, but  a long  document tube or Fed Ex box would work just as well! For  air travel, your fans will undoubtedly need to be checked ( they’re usually too long for the  storage bins in the cabin) so  make sure you pad whatever container you’re using well and include your little tool kit.

 STORING AND CARING FOR BOAS, FEATHERED HEADRESSES  AND FEATHERED COSTUMES

Store your feather boas in the same way  you would your Sally Rand fans or smaller feather fans- in a tightly sealed  plastic container, with cedar chips  to keep moths away.  Depending on the size of the boa, you can use a  round container, the type made for large cakes.  Coil the boa up like a snake ( a BOA snake, of course!) and   close the container. Larger boas might not fit into a cake container, so some gals store their boas in round old-school hat boxes.  When I do this, then I  seal the boa in  a  large plastic bag  with the cedar chips  before putting it in the hat box-  just to be extra careful about insect infestation. 

To store  your headdresses,  I have found that the  easiest way is to place them on a Styrofoam wig stand, and pin them securely onto the wig head itself. I then wrap the headdress in plastic wrap, sealing  it firmly around the bottom of the wig-head, and store the entire thing on a shelf.

 Again, throw in a sachet of cedar chips. If your headdress is large, you can also stick an opened-up wire hanger  or two into the Styrofoam, to  create a “tent”, holding the plastic up so it won’t break or bend the feathers.  You might also have to weigh down the bottom of the stand to prevent it from toppling over due to the height and weight of the headdress.

Feather boas and feathered headresses are simply  the height of glamour- but since feathers are basically an animal ( or rather, avian) product,  they tend to dry out over time  and can become droopy or flattened out and limp. To restore your  boas to  their brand-new fluffiness,  you’ll need to care for them and  maintain them occasionally. 

Grab your boa and briskly but gently  feathers  between your hands. This will shake off any dust as well as  fluff  up the “nap” of the feathers,  making each one  perkier.

Princess Farhana by Maharet

You can also clean the feathers on your headdresses the same way- but instead of using your entire hand, fluff each feather individually with your fingers.

For a costume that has feathered accents, do the same – just fluff the plumes with your fingers.

 Next, steam your  boa or headdress. If you have a  clothing steamer, you can hang the boa up  by one end and steam it this way, being super-careful not to get the  tip of the steamer too close to the feathers- you want the fine mist to cover the  boat, but  you don’t want it dripping wet!  Steam each section of the boa only for a few seconds, until the feathers have opened up.  For a headdress, do this while the headdress is sitting on it’s stand.

If you’re cleaning feathers  that are sewed or glued to a costume, use  your steamer in the same way.

 If you don’t own or have access to a steamer, you can also use a tea kettle or  a large  pot full of  boiling water  to steam  your  boa, holding it horizontally over the  pot or kettle, steaming it in sections.  For headdresses, just make sure to hit  the tips of the feathers with steam- try not to get the crown wet.   I wouldn’t recommend this method for costumes with feather accents, though.

Be very careful not to burn your hands or fingers- steam is just as hot-if not more so- than boiling water!

 Make sure to turn off the flame on the stove burner off while doing this or you’ll be courting disaster… BOAS AND FEATHERS ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE!

 WASHING YOUR FEATHER BOAS

 If your boa has become really dirty, you might need to wash it. In this case, make sure  you really  agitate the feathers to get as much dust or dirt off them as possible!  I use lukewarm water  because many dyed fathers are not colorfast.  I use  baby shampoo or a very gentle  dish detergent- nothing too harsh.   Swish the feathers around very lightly in a bathtub that’s about a quarter full. A sink is usually too small for a boa, and you definitely don’t want to break the spine of the feathers by  cramping them into a small basin!    Make sure to dry the boa  naturally,  hanging it by one end from a clothes line of a shower curtain rod.   Once in a while, I’ve hit them with a blow-dryer, but  always on the “cool” setting only.  Also, most boas are twisted when they are manufactured.  Heavier boas, such as ostrich or turkey  ruff  can lose their  twist with use ( or, of course, through washing!)  and should be periodically re-twisted to maintain their appearance.

 TAKE GOOD  CARE OF YOUR FEATHERS,  YOU'LL LOOK MAAHHVELOUS, DAAHHLING!!!!

                                                          

Princess Farhana by Michael Baxter