BELLY DANCE TRAVEL AND TOURISM: STAYING SAFE AND SANE PART ONE

 This is Part One in a four-part series on belly dance travel and tourism. Even with the  social unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, many dancers are eager  to  travel to research, study and immerse themselves in  Oriental Dance.  If you're armed with  some knowledge about the places you'll be visiting  and  know what to expect  before and during your trip, you'll have a much better time.

 In this series, I'll cover everything from  keeping healthy and staying safe abroad to buying costumes; from cultural and social differences  to  breezing through security at  airports; from  communicating socially to haggling for a bargain.  

I learned all this stuff the hard way… but you won’t have to!

 After you’ve been studying our beautiful dance form  for a while, there may come a time when you want to travel to the places where belly dance originated. Whether you’re going to learn and do research or purely for fun, there are so many ways to visit The Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia that there is a trip for everyone. Your journey can be as luxurious- or as rustic–as you wish.

 Egypt and Turkey have numerous well-established belly dance festivals, and more are cropping up all the time, in places like Greece, Israel and Lebanon.

 Many American and European dance instructors offer belly dance tours, which are usually-but not always- based around a specific festival. You can also  sail on a luxury cruise with a set itinerary, or hike through the Atlas Mountains or Sahara Desert with no plan other than to explore. And many ex-patriot dancers living and working abroad open up their flats as mini-hostels  for visiting dancers. The possibilities are endless!

 When I look back on my very first trip Egypt in the early Nineties, I can’t believe I picked up and left the way that I did!

  I was a baby dancer with hardly any experience; absolutely obsessed with going to Cairo- nothing was gong to stop me! Because I wasn’t sure how long I was going to stay, I quit my job and told my family I’d be back in four to eight weeks. At that time, there was no internet or cell phones; in order to get an overseas phone line from Egypt to anywhere else in the world, even at Five Star hotels, you had to make a request at the front desk and wait around- sometimes for hours- until a line opened up and your call could be connected!

As my flight landed in Cairo, I hoped that the reservation I’d made- through the mail- had actually arrived at the hotel that I’d randomly picked out of a travel book!  I hadn’t anticipated that the signs would only be in Arabic, I had $300.00 in the pocket of my worn Levi’s, and though I had no contacts whatsoever in Egypt, but I knew I needed to see the Sphinx and The Pyramids. I had nothing but blind faith that I’d be able to find belly dancing…and I did!

These days, visiting the countries where belly dancing is indigenous is sooo much easier. But there are still many things you need to know that will make your trip run much more smoothly. 

 BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Passport & Visa

 In order to go on your dream trip, you’ll obviously need a passport. To gain entrance into most countries, your passport needs to be good for at least six months after your date of entry. In America, you can pick up an application at most U.S. Post Offices.   Send it in well in advance of your trip; it can take many weeks to process.

While you travel, keep your passport is in a convenient and safe place, somewhere you can get to easily. Depending on where you are, you may want to either carry your passport in a neck wallet concealed under your clothing (these are available on line or at stores that specialize in travel accoutrements) or keep your passport at the front desk of your hotel.

A good idea is to photocopy your passport, keeping the copy separate from the passport itself when you travel.  I keep a few photocopies tucked into pockets in my luggage.  You can also scan your passport and e-mail it to yourself.  That way you’ll always have the electronic copy.  Either of these options will not get you in and out of different countries, but will be of great help in the event your passport gets lost or stolen.

 If this happens, no matter where you are, report it immediately to the embassy for your country of origin, and a temporary passport will be issued to you.

Visas

 In some countries, your passport alone will get you in but in others, you’ll need a tourist visa. This is not usually a big deal; for example, in Egypt, you can purchase your visa as soon as you arrive in the airport, at the same kiosks where you can change money.

Vaccines

Before traveling to any exotic locale, find out if any immunizations are required, and make sure that all your vaccines (for example, tetanus or influenza shots) are up to date. Check on the Internet for travel advisories regarding epidemics or outbreaks.

 If you do need to get immunized, consult your doctor… And make sure to get any vaccines done at least two weeks before you travel in case you have a reaction, which can happen, though not often.

Travel Insurance

 Buying travel insurance is always a good idea in case of last minute cancellations due to some emergency or “Act Of God”. Depending on your coverage, it can also take care of foreign doctor and dentist visits, or covering a last minute flight back home. Travel insurance will also reimburse you for smaller things, such as the cost of a hotel room due to a flight cancellation, flight re-booking fees, or in case your luggage gets lost.

 Nowadays, with social unrest and political upheaval in the Middle East and North Africa, travel insurance is vital!

 You can purchase travel insurance on the Internet or through your travel agent.

What To Pack

 Almost every major airline now charges for checked bags, and each bag usually has a fifty-pound limit as well. Pack as lightly as possible. I usually bring a bare minimum amount of clothing, and check a nearly empty suitcase, which comes in handy for bringing back souvenirs…. and of course, costumes!

 On your return flight, pack your costumes (as many as will fit) into your carry-on bag. If anything gets lost when your bags are checked, it will be your easily replaceable street clothes.  In the past on trips to Egypt, I have even brought “disposable” items along- sneakers or walking shoes on their last legs, cheap rubber flip-flops, tourist-type T shirts, that sort of thing. You can give these items away before returning home, or as you go along. It will not only lighten your load, but many countries in the Middle East and North Africa are very poor, and people appreciate donations, which can always be put to good use. I once tipped a cab driver with a used blow dryer and some nail polish for his wife!

 As for what to bring on your tip to the Middle East or North Africa, remember that you will be traveling in predominantly Muslim countries and it’s imperative that  you  make sure to be respectful of the people you meet,  their religion and culture.

 That being said, unless you are entering a mosque (or visiting Saudi Arabia) you will probably not encounter a situation where you will absolutely need to cover your hair… but it never hurts to keep a scarf handy! 

Egypt’s leading industry is tourism, they’re used to tourists visiting from all over the world.  Places like Morocco and Tunisia have large cities that are very modern, though in rural areas and smaller villages, people dress in traditional clothes, the way they have for centuries.  Israel, Lebanon, Dubai and Turkey are extremely European, so many citizens not only “dress Western” but are also fashion forward!

No matter where you are going, bring hand washable clothing that can be layered, and comfy walking shoes for sightseeing.

 I suggest packing a lightweight jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings, sitting or sleeping in air conditioning on the plane, tour buses and in hotels. I bring a light pashmina scarf, which can be used in many ways, including covering up your head, arms and shoulders for modesty on the street, or for shielding you from the desert sun.

   Cargo pants or long shorts, jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, and sandals will all serve you well. Flowing ankle-length Indian skirts and long sleeved light cotton tops will come in handy and pack nicely.  Of course you will want to check out the belly dancers performing at nightclubs or major hotels, so bring a lightweight, knee-length jersey dress that can be dressed up with jewelry. If you will be at the seaside, on a cruise (whether down the Nile or through the Mediterranean) definitely bring a bathing suit, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent and sun block!

Remember the 3-1-1 rules for carry on toiletries, and only bring whatever will fit in a quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. You only get one bag per passenger, and it needs to be placed in the screening bin at the airport.

Another good item to carry with you are disposable wet wipes. Take small travel size packets of Kleenex and definitely bring bottle of hand sanitizer. I always have these on hand when sightseeing, because it’s hard to tell what kind of restroom facilities you’ll run into…some are extremely primitive, we’re talkin’ holes in the ground!

  Health, Nutrition, Supplements And Medication

 Pack portable snack foods to take with you on your trip like trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, power bars, soups or noodles that can be made by adding boiling water.  These are really convenient – and often necessary when traveling! You’ll need something to sustain you  in case your flight gets delayed, or for day- long tours, lengthy bus or train rides, not to mention keeping your energy up at dance classes while you are jet-lagged! You may also want to bring along packets of a powdered energy/vitamin drink mix to add to bottled water for a quick burst of energy.

It’s always a good idea to carry small First Aid kit, including band-aids, anti-bacterial ointments, aspirin/pain relievers, antacids, and anti-diarrhea medications. Imodium is a fantastic over the counter remedy for stopping  “Pharaoh’s Revenge” so makes sure take some along with you. Acidophilus tablets or capsules are also good for the prevention of traveler’s diarrhea, and can lessen the severity of digestive problems. Taking it before you leave and throughout your trip will aid in maintaining the normal balance of flora and fauna in the intestines.

Pack any prescription medications you are taking in the original containers, along with a copy of the prescription, and possibly a note from your doctor; keep them in your carry on luggage.

Bring along extra feminine protection if you are used to wearing tampons; they are hard to find in many Muslim countries, ditto for birth control pills and condoms! And though most pharmacies are great, if you do take prescription birth control, definitely bring more than you think you will need, just in case.

If you wear contact lenses, bring extras or use disposables, and you’ll  totally want to keep a travel-sized bottle of re-wetting solution AND extra lenses in your purse while you are out and about. North Africa and The Middle East are very dry and sandy, and the desert climate can really irritate your contacts. You will NOT want to be stuck without spares!  Bring a pair of prescription glasses with you as well.

In all likelihood, the most common problems you’ll run into are sunburn, insect bites, blisters, exhaustion, and maybe a cold from the recycled air on the plane.  If you have prepared for these minor hazards in advance, you should be fine.

  You also need to know that sour stomach or "Pharoah's Revenge" is very common... so make double-sure you bring along some  Immodium  to combat  diarrhea.Though food poisoning does happen, it's more likely  that you're  feeling sick from the combination  of  unfamiliar foods and  the inevitable jet lag. Though  this  isn't at all fun, your symptoms will usually pass in a day or two, and  taking Immodium will  halt  any cramping and watery stools.  But when diarrhea is  accompanied  by chills  and fever,  you need to see a doctor, stat!

Most foreign pharmacies are excellent, with knowledgeable English speaking pharmacists and clerks, and they will often take care of you better than a physician can. Many hotels have a doctor on call at all times. If yours doesn’t, ask the concierge (or your friend, or host if you are staying at a private home) to call a general practitioner in the unlikely event you will need one.

*Part Two, "What To Expect When You Arrive"  will be coming up soon!

DANCERS BACKSTAGE RITUALS PART SIXTEEN: LIVING LEGEND HELENA VLAHOS

  Helena Vlahos is a living legend, she is belly dance history personified. With a career that spans almost five decades, she is a living, breathing piece of Oriental Dance history. World famous for her impeccable dancing, she also is also the record holder in The Guinness Book Of World Records for   “Unique Abdominal Dexterity”.

  Born on the Greek island of Hydra, at the age of eight Helena immigrated to America with her family.  Exactly eight years later, in 1964, at the tender age of sixteen, she began her long and illustrious career in belly dance…a career that continues to this day.

 With an easy elegance and subtlety that can only come from years of experience, Helena never languishes in the past, but keeps moving and changing along with the times.  She has nurtured countless students (many of whom have become well-known professional dancers) while at the same time, still humbly and unassumingly attending classes and workshops herself.  Her technique, stage presence  and  never-ending passion for this beautiful art form are superlative  and mesmerizing.

 I have had the privilege and pleasure of   learning from - and personally getting to know - Helena since she moved to Los Angeles a couple of years ago. Though she definitely qualifies as a bona fide diva, refreshingly, she never behaves like one.   Though her talent and expertise are staggering, she is always highly approachable and, like the doting grandmother she is, is also quite nurturing.  Is it obvious I’m one of her biggest fans?  I hope so…cause I am!

 One of the things most dancers are always curious about is the way the belly dance community functioned  “back in the day”.

 So for this edition of Dancers Backstage Rituals, Helena specifically prepared a comparison on how she gets ready for her shows, contrasting the earlier and more contemporary parts of her career.

 Here, in her own words, are Helena’s thoughts on the subject:

 From 1964 To The 1980’s

“When I started dancing, I danced in one restaurant at a time of anywhere from three months to a year or more. I kept my costumes in my dressing room at the restaurant so I did not have to bring two or three costumes every day.

I prepared at home by applying full makeup and putting on my fall, which I secured with bobby pins. You could pull on it and it would not come off since I first put my own hair up in four ponytails, one on top, one on each side and one down my head, like a triangle. I would then place the fall on my head with the ponytails inside the base of the fall and proceed to bobby pin the fall to the ponytails. It hurt especially when the bobby pins lost their soft tips, but the hair was never in danger of falling off during a performance even when I used to swing my head around (yes, I used to do that in my early days). I always wore false eyelashes at that time, not only for a performance but also for every day. I would never leave the house without full makeup; I just wore it heavier for shows. In those days we had to wear nice eveningwear between shows so we would look like stars (glamorous) to impress everyone (the audience). That got even more expensive than just our costumes. Again in those days we had to make our own costumes, which used to take months and months of work (and the beads were expensive even then). I used to start sewing as soon as I got up (around 12:00 noon), and continued until I had to get ready for work (7:00 p.m.). I took a few breaks in between of course.

Besides worrying about makeup, hair and what dress to wear, I had to make sure to bring safety pins for my costumes, finger cymbals (and extra elastic in case the finger cymbal elastic broke), costume panties and fishnet stocking that I always wore for a show.

I got to work around 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. I went to my dressing room to put my purse and makeup bag and whatever accessories I had away. I then went to the bar and chatted with the bartender (had a drink) or waiters/waitresses/hosts or the other dancer and just got a feeling of the crowd/atmosphere. The musicians would play from 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. so I got to enjoy the music and get into the dancing mood before I had to perform. Depending on the restaurant, there were usually three to five musicians, one to four singers and one to three dancers. We usually had two shows, the first one starting at around 9:30 p.m. The show started with the musicians playing livelier music pieces (four or five pieces), and then the singer would come on (around four songs), then the first dancer (around thirty minutes). If there were more singers, the next one went next, if not, then more show music, then the second dancer thirty minutes). You get the general idea.

When I worked in Greek restaurants, the second show was mostly for the regular crowd with a few non-Greeks. We (the dancers) danced shorter sets (around twenty minutes) because the regulars wanted to dance and listen to the Greek singers. I loved to watch some of the regulars dance, some were fantastic! You might say the entertainer got entertained! At these times I would sit with some of the regulars that had become friends as well. Mostly, it was a fun time!”

From The 1990’s To The Present

“These days for performances, I get ready at home by trying on every costume that I think I might want to wear for a show. Of course I wait until the last minutes (okay, hour not minute) to do this. Afterwards, my room looks like a cyclone hit but I have no time to tidy up before I leave the house (who cares at that time). I put my full makeup on with false eyelashes; I try on different hair (mostly ponytails that are clip on, which can easily come off). I put on the one I like best and throw the rest in a pile on my bed or wherever (who cares at this time). I put my costume in a carry on (I like to bring an extra costume if possible, just in case) and then look at my list of what not to forget for a show, which I have saved on my computer in my Word Documents. I look at my list to make sure I don’t forget anything (I still sometimes forget one thing or another), I place all items on the list in the carry on, dress for the evening in my usually black dress or skirt and blouse, pantyhose and heels, check myself in the mirror for last minute adjustments and off I go in a nervous state (not because of the show I will do but for the preparation I just went through). I almost forgot, I have to make sure that I have my CD for the show as unfortunately, we don’t usually have live music. I have to say; the older I get the more I have to do to prepare for a show!”

Helena is appearing at  The Belly Dance Of The Universe Competition, Long Beach, CA teaching, performing and judging contestants   February 15-17, 2013 http://www.bellydanceroftheuniverse.com/bduc2013.htm

  For information about more of her upcoming events, her rich history or to book her, visit her website: http://www.helenavlahos.com/main.html

Helena’s quarter-rolling on The Spectacular World Of Guiness Recordsn, with host david Frost, 1980’s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yik7c0EXV0M

Helena’s   weekly classes in Los Angeles at Dance Garden: http://www.dancegardenla.com/

ON GRATITUDE...AND ATTITUDE

  

 Because Thanksgiving has just passed and The Holidays have started in earnest, many of us are reflecting upon our lives, and what we are thankful for.

Gratitude is the tonic that makes our cups runneth over.

 Appreciation for what we receive or what we already have, whether material, emotional, or abstract, fills us up with joy, and spurs us to count our blessings.

 The concept of grateful thinking and positive psychology have  become buzzwords lately; these theories are studied by mental health professionals  and are also practiced by many people in their daily lives.

It is now widely believed that happiness begets more happiness, and that people with a positive outlook on life will reap benefits ranging from more meaningful emotional connections to better physical health.

Undoubtedly, you know people who are embarking upon a “Thirty Days Of Gratitude” quest, or maybe you have done it yourself, or are in the middle of it right now.  Keeping track of the many things both great and small that you are thankful for will only enhance your dancing and fill it with real joy.

So how can these ideas be applied to your dance practice?

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Trust me, you have many!

 When I was younger, I was surrounded by drama, both real and imagined. I was literally a starving artist, I routinely wanted things I couldn’t have-including men- and I had really bad taste in men.  The ones I always fell for made me cry pretty often.  I used to feel like I wasn’t pretty enough, smart enough or talented enough. I  just wasn’t good enough, period. And speaking of periods, these thoughts always intensified when I was PMS-ing!  

Through the wisdom of age, I now look back on these raging emotions I had, and I  call bullshit! When I see pictures of myself from that (fairly long) time period when I thought I was pudgy and unattractive, with a   despicable round baby face, I now realize I could’ve ruled the damn world…that is, if I knew then what I know now.  And believe me when I tell you that I  these days, I  just wish I had some of that baby-fat collagen  still left!

 Who is anyone- your family, frenemies, your dance teacher or even the media to tell you that you aren’t good enough?  That you aren't beautiful enough, or a good enough dancer?

 You are. Take your  gilded cup  and see it not just as half-full, but  as overflowing and enjoy the heck out of  it…And Dance Like You Mean It!

ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE

 As far as your dancing goes, instead of comparing yourself to others, measure your progress against your own achievements.

 Dancing and the joy you receive from it is not a competition. Even if you believe you are too young, too old, too heavy, will never be a professional or lack innate talent, you are still dancing!

 Yes, talent is a gift…but so is merely being able to dance.

 Many people do not have that luxury.

People who are injured or infirm can only dream of dancing. There are millions of women  who would love to dance that are currently living in countries where  dancing is against the law. 

Dance for them…as well as to make your own soul sing.

BEING SATISFIED WITH YOURSELF IS NOT BEING COMPLACENT

 There is a huge difference between being happy and being smug. If you love yourself, the best way to show it is by striving for greatness.

  In the world of dance, as with anywhere else, true satisfaction comes from a job well done, not from resting on your laurels, or skating by  while phoning in a performance.

Apply yourself to your dance practice and be the best you can possibly be. Be realistic about your goals and achievements and be thankful for them,  but keep challenging yourself.

BEING GRATEFUL MEANS GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

This is not merely good professional behavior; it is also a way of thanking your dance teachers, your mentors, your costume seamstress, or anyone else who has enabled you to dance.

Remember this also includes your spouse, family members or partner; if you are lucky, they are all 100% supportive of your dancing…let them know you realize that they care.

It doesn’t matter if you are a student, a hobbyist or a professional performer- many people have helped you along your dance journey, and by acknowledging this and letting them know you are grateful for the time, knowledge and support they have given you, 

 you’ll be filling up everyone’s cups!

A BELLYFUL FOR THANKSGIVING

   Seriously, I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is next week!

  So,  at this point in the year, I'm done with all  my national and international travel, and looking forward to spending The Holidays at home...which means I'm getting ready to cook!  I cook like a fiend, and I love  to make fabulous food, but I'm usually not around to be able to.  The following recipe for stuffing is  a re-post from last year: Enjoy!

This is  an adaptation of a recipe for a scrumptious, sweet; savory and very spicy holiday dressing that has been in my family for over half a century. I have been eating it for as long as I can remember, and making it myself for at least thirty years.

 My entire family are great cooks; it’s in our blood! My sisters Eddie, Cupcake and I even had a ridiculously popular food blog for a few years called “The Haphazard Gourmet”, named after a popular cook book my father, the late author Richard Gehman, wrote in 1966, when I was a tot.

One of the biggest ironies in my life is that though I love to cook, I almost never have the chance to, because I am constantly on the road.

 During the holidays, when I am home, I always  cook up a storm, and this dressing is one of the things I love to make. It is extremely work intensive, and has a boatload of ingredients…but I’m tellin’ you, all the labor is worth it! Since it’s so very close to Thanksgiving, and you might  already have your meal plans set, you  maybe  will want to save this to make for Christmas or New Year’s Eve…  or just have a  Thanksgiving “rehearsal”!

Something that this stuffing has taught me over the years, is that if you are great cook and make something this luscious…

 SOMEBODY ELSE WILL OFFER TO CLEAN UP THE KITCHEN FOR YOU!

A little history  on the dressing itself: my father was a famous writer,  a bohemian bon vivant, and an extraordinary cook, who absolutely adored making-and enjoying- extraordinary food. Actually, now that I think about, my father was not unlike Don Draper from "Mad Men"! Anyway, before I was born, he interviewed his friend Morton Thompson, also a very well-known writer and man-about-town, and apparently this stuffing originated with Morton Thompson. I’ve put a link to my father’s article, and the original recipe at the bottom of this post, if you want to look it up.

This Gehman family take on Morton Thompson's recipe makes a ton of dressing, enough to feed an army and last you, your family, friends and neighbors for a few days so you can halve the recipe if you don’t want lots of leftovers… but of course you will want them, cause this dressing is the damn bomb!

Before I go into the exact details, you need to know a couple of the most important parts of the recipe.

The first thing is that there was a reason my father’s book, and our family cooking blog, were both called “The Haphazard Gourmet”. It’s because we improvise freely in the kitchen… swirling around like a tornado in an apron, using crazy ingredients, adding or subtracting them, making do with whatever is around.

Just like improvisation in dancing or acting, it’s fun to improvise in the kitchen. Don’t be scared to cook according to your own taste, and don’t feel lost without specific measurements. I’m  just giving you a guideline… don't be afraid of to making substitutions or adding in some new elements. My own personal version of this is quite different than the original version, but they taste similar and they’re both divine.

The second thing you need to know is that while you are making the dressing, you need to brag loudly, obnoxiously and continuously, or it simply won’t turn out right.

Tell everyone within earshot that you are not only foxy, but also the best cook on earth and they’re blessed just to be in the same house as you, inhaling the same oxygen that you’re breathing.

Tell them they’ll be on their knees kissing your feet- just after they take their first bite! Let them know you are an immortal being with culinary gifts from the heavens above…then let THEM clean up your mess…and thank you profusely the whole time!

Once I was cooking for Thanksgiving with my neighbor, and he had a recipe for dressing he got off the Internet, which he wanted me to make.

“Are you kidding?” I cried, “I never use recipes, I always cook by instinct! You’re gonna LOVE this!”

He regarded me suspiciously, like I was a teenage shoplifter.

“Ok,” he said finally, “But if you fuck this up, I’m going to be really mad.”

“No problem!”, I sniffed indignantly.

The moment he tasted my stuffing, a strange look came over his face… the kind of pie-eyed expression guys get in romantic comedies when they realize they’re in love. He finally shook it off and came back to earth, and exclaimed loudly,

“I will never doubt another word you say, as long as I am alive!”

Then he started cleaning the kitchen.

So: you will need a large frying pan with a cover, couple of small bowls, a couple of large bowls, aluminum foil, and two Pyrex or disposable aluminum baking pans.

INGREDIENTS:

Two boxes bread cubes or stuffing mix, of any type you prefer

Six stalks of celery- take off the strings

Two green peppers

Four large yellow onions

Six to ten fresh garlic cloves (or fresh mashed garlic from a jar)

A handful of loose white mushrooms

Two large apples (red or green, either is fine)

Two large oranges, or a medium sized can of Mandarin oranges

Two cans of sliced or chunk pineapple in plain water- not syrup

One large can sliced water chestnuts

One and a half giant handfuls of walnut halves or walnut pieces ** I have even thrown in pecans, and in some years added pre-made trail mix here as well. Like I said, improvise!

Two large containers of chicken or vegetable stock

Quarter pound stick of butter… if you don’t eat dairy, then eliminate this step, and just use more stock to keep the stuffing moist.

Four or five links of spicy Italian sausages- if you don’t like traditional pork sausage, chicken or turkey sausage is ok… and again, if you are a vegetarian, just eliminate the sausage altogether!

HERBS:

The herbs can be fresh or dried; it’s your call! Fresh is better though.

You’ll need rosemary, oregano, sage, marjoram and thyme… plus three or four large, whole bay leaves, and a small bunch of fresh parsley. The parsley must be fresh. Separate the leaves from the stems, and snip them up with a scissors.

If you’re using dried herbs, use a quite liberal pinch or about a very full teaspoon of each; for fresh herbs, then cut up a few leaves of each. I usually go heavy on the sage and rosemary for a more savory taste. Put these herbs into a bowl, mix them up, and set them aside for now.

SPICES:

I’ll say this again: I don’t measure when I cook, I do it mad scientist style!

 So, for the following spices, you’ll need a few very healthy shakes of each: salt, pepper, all spice, cinnamon, nut meg, curry powder, cumin seed, and cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, turmeric, and a small chunk of fresh ginger, which you’ve peeled and sliced.

If you’re scared to spice up your food the way I do, then measure out about a quarter teaspoon of each, and put them in another small bowl, making sure they’re mixed up. Set these aside, too.

DIRECTIONS:

Cut up or dice all ingredients- EVERYTHING!

 This is the time consuming, hellish part. I usually dice everything into small, thin pieces, but I have also made late-night, post-gig rushed versions of this dressing where I carelessly chopped the peppers, celery and onions into larger chunks… so, whatever you want to do is fine. I cut the parsley with a scissors- and at the same time, if I am using fresh herbs, I cut them, too. If you want, you can also used diced packaged onions, cause crying while cutting onions is the worst, but I usually just weep my way through this part of the process.

Skin the sausages, and either crumble them or cut them into thin pennies, then get ‘em into in a very large frying pan or skillet with a little blop or two of extra-virgin olive oil, and start cooking them. If you are making the veggie version of this stuffing, just eliminate this step and start sautéing the veggies. You want the sausages cooked through, and a little browned. When the sausages are almost done, throw in the diced onions, garlic, peppers and celery, parsley, and a few generous pats of butter and stir. You will need to stir this continuously! Take a few pinches of both the herb mixture and the spice mixture and throw them both in, according to your taste.

Have a glass of wine here if you drink… or if you want to be like my father, make it a scotch.

 Make sure you’ve been bragging to whomever is around! If no one’s at your house yet, send a few texts, tweet about it, or update your status on Facebook about the manna from heaven which you are creating. Do it… remember, you need to brag or it won’t turn out right! Then preheat your oven to 350.

When the veggies have almost cooked, throw in the apples, walnuts, mushrooms, oranges, and pineapple, with all the juice from the can. Drain the can of water chestnuts and throw those in too. At this point, you will probably need more of the herbs and spice mixtures- I know I always do! And while you’re at it, just start adding more pats of butter like a crazy person with a death wish! Stir it all up well. Turn down the heat, put a lid on the pan, and keep stirring it occasionally. Take a taste and figure out if you need to add more herbs and spice… I know I would! While you’re at it, throw in some more butter.

Divide your bread cubes up into two large bowls. Prepare according to the package, but use your chicken or vegetable stock instead of water to moisten it up. Mix it well, and then slowly start adding in the big mess of ingredients you’ve got in the frying pan.

When you’ve gotten the entire contents divided into the two big bowls, start mixing it all up. Mix it until you think you’ll get carpal tunnel!

Take a few pats of butter and grease your baking pans, yelling loudly that you’re about to put this divine creation in the oven, and soon everyone’s going to be hearing the angels sing. Divide the well-mixed dressing into the baking pans, then put a few more pats of butter on top, cover them with the foil tightly, and pop ‘em into the oven.

Let them bake about fifteen or twenty minutes, then take the foil off, and let them bake another ten or fifteen minutes so that the top gets browned and crunchy. By this time, you’re going to be beating people out of the kitchen like a lunatic, because the whole house will smell amazing. Have them make you a drink and tell them they need to start cleaning up…cause the gorgeous aroma from the dressing you created just enriched their sad, humdrum lives!

Take the baking pans out of the oven and keep them covered until you serve them. I usually make this the night before, and keep them in the refrigerator until serving, because it allows the flavors and spices to marry. You can heat them up on Thanksgiving Day (or whatever day falls after you make this unearthly creation) and it’ll be even more divine.

Bon Appetite, and Happy  Up-Coming Holidays!

XO Princess

A link to a reprint of the original recipe for this dressing…and for an incredible turkey recipe, too is here: “Morton Thompson’s Turkey” by Richard Gehman:

http://www.whats-on.com/dining/magician-kitchen

FUN WITH KEY WORDS PART TWELVE

Key Words are the words or phrases people type into search engines that directs them to various websites. Aside from the obvious ones (“belly dance”, “costumes”, “crafts”, etc.) I always get a huge kick at the random, downright ridiculous and often surreal things people from all over the world search for… that  somehow directs them to my blog!

 Here are a few choice recent keyword entries, copied exactly as they were typed in… enjoy!

FIGURE SKATING DRESS JAMES BOND

WHAT IS DANCER’S FOOT?

 HEDI LAMARR DROP DEAD GORGEOUS

TRIP TRIBE SEQUIN SHORT

PAKISTAN PASHTUN FARHANA PORN

FALSE NOSE

 HOW TO MAKE THEATRICAL LEGS=

 EXPLOSION DAZLING GLITTER

TIPSY TOES PANTYHOSE

ASSUIT GIRLS ACTION  MOVIES

BASIC BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR DANCERS

  Ever received voice mails like these?

 “Hi!  I need to talk to you…. Bye!”

“When is the class?”

"I can’t make it to the _______”  (rehearsal, gig, audition, or ??)

 “ Call me, it’s important!”

  “What time is the show?”

 I’m pretty sure you have, and sadly, I’m also reasonably sure you’ve probably left messages like this as well.  

These messages usually come in on the day of a show, when someone is supposed to be subbing a gig for you, or just before a hectic workshop weekend.

 Whether for a performer or an event producer, troupe director, stage manager or venue owner, these messages are   enough to send  a normal, healthy  person’s  blood pressure through the roof!

 The somewhat grim reality is that most of us dancers are so focused on dancing and on our own performances that we don’t stop and think about effective business communications!

 All of the messages above have these things in common:

 The person leaving the message is not identifying herself and expects that the recipient will automatically know who is leaving the message

 No concrete information is given as to what the message refers to

 No date or time is left on the message

There is no number or email address left, so the recipient may not be able to answer back

  So how do  we learn   how to communicate effectively?

 Do not assume that the  recipient knows who you are, or how to get in touch with you.

 Always leave your name as well as the date and time you called.  Start the message with your contact information, and repeat it at the end of the message, slowly and clearly.

  Make your message short and to the point, but always be extremely specific   in what   you are referring to.

  If you are talking about a class, a gig, rehearsal, workshop or whatever… refer to it by date, time and by the name of the event.

If you are going to be late for something, let the recipient know whether you mean you’ll be tardy by ten minutes or two hours.   If you have a flat tire or some other emergency, state   the facts in a brief, succinct manner and also offer an Estimated Time Of Arrival, even if that might mean you will not be there at all!

If you cannot attend a certain class or  time on a workshop weekend, make sure to specify which class or show you are referring to. Chances are, there are multiple events going on   during the course of the event. 

  Merely saying that a message is “important” can have a wide range of meanings.

What is important to you may not be  something earth-shattering to the person you are communicating with- or it might be a major game changer!  Juicy gossip is not important… the fact that your brand new costume looks amazing is not important.

  Remember, “important” can refer to anything from  “ I forgot   the matching head band we’re all supposed to wear” to  “I’m in the emergency room because I just broke my ankle!”

  For certain information needed on the day of the event, refer to websites or previous emails before calling the producer or stage manager.

 Remember, most of this information is probably already available- read the “fine print” on the performer emails or   do some research on the web before causing panic for a stage manager or an event producer…they are trying to do their job while fielding   a number of insignificant, time-wasting calls such as yours. Yes, I actually said that!  Don’t make their lives a living hell by causing unnecessary stress.

Don’t leave anybody high and dry… if you cannot show up for some reason-offer a solution in your message.

 If you need to miss a club or restaurant gig, supply the name or names and contact information of a suitable substitute performer in your message.

If you are a principle in a show, as a professional, you need to   be there, unless it is truly impossible.   Do not make a producer or club manager   replace you at the very last moment unless you are having a bona fide emergency.    Being stranded in an out-of-state airport is an emergency; having a headache is not. 

If you need to get your music in but cannot email it, make sure to send a CD in well ahead of the time it’s supposed to be there. Don’t make the producer or stage manager chase you down.

  By remembering these important tips, you’ll have   much better communication skills, and through your consummate professionalism, will make yourself beloved to whomever you are calling… which of course, will lead to more gigs for you!