**Navel Gazing #5 -Summer'03 · Unfortunately, putting out a magazine by oneself takes an extraordinary amount of time and ef-fort, and significant cost, not to mention a computer

7 7

# 5Summer 2003

Secrets of Body Learning

Stretching

Perfume

Scents-ibility

I Don't Got Rhythm

Benefi ts of Bellydance

Events & Classes

“When people want to celebrate, they dance."

— Curt Sachs

Navel GazingBellydance Spirit Magazine

cSugg. Donation$1 - 3

2 3

7

Navel Gazing 7 Summer 2003 Summer 2003 7 Navel Gazing

FeaturesSecrets of Body Learning . . . . . . . . . 3Navel Gazing Online . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Stretching . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Sointula: Thru the Veil . . . . . . . . . . . 9Some Benefits of Bellydance . . . . . . 10Posture Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Perfume Scents-ibility . . . . . . . . . . . 12Dancer's Songs II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ResourcesEvents Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Classes Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Resource Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Classified Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

EtcDear Dancers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Zils Tips: I Got No Rhythm... . . . . . . 5Wordsearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Wordsearch Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Inspiration: Meant to Shine. . . . . . . 16

I must announce that this will be the last print issue of Navel Gazing. I’ve produced this magazine as a gift to my sister dancers. I’ve really enjoyed putting this togeth-er for you. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have. So many of you have been so supportive of this service, and I deeply appreciate the contributions, submissions, ads, and encouraging words you’ve given. Thank You!! Unfortunately, putting out a magazine by oneself takes an extraordinary amount of time and ef-fort, and significant cost, not to mention a computer one can count on. I’m swimming against the stream, it seems, having to struggle every step of the way. So, okay, I can take a hint, once I’m bon-ked on the head with a two-by-four. A few times. I still feel there’s a need in the Islands for something like Navel Gazing, so I’m going to change the format. Navel Gazing will be published online from now on. This should simplify my work and remove the need for advertisers, since I won’t have to pay for print and distribution. I will also be able to keep a more up-to-date events column and classes ads. This was difficult with only printing 3 times a year and many teachers not knowing their classes schedule at the beginning of the sessions. Now I can update as we go along! So check it out often. There will still be space for you to advertise your events, shows, and products in detail, and you can reach even more bellydancers than before! Not only is the magazine getting a lot of interest from around the continent, but with the savings in costs, the money from advertising can be used to get the word out to all bellydancers and potential bellydancers in western BC. Please peruse page 13 for more details. If you have a subscription, please contact me for a refund. Blessings to you in your dancing and your spirit. I hope our bellydance community continues to grow in joy, power, and sisterhood.

Best twitches, erin

Dear Dancers

Deadline next issue: September 10, 2003. Published 3 times a year: October, February, June. Subscriptions: Will be refunded: Please contact me if you don't hear from me: my computer lost all my email!! To submit articles, events, letters, artwork, etc:Send writings to [email protected]. Please mark “Navel Gazing" in subject line; send text in the body of the email rather than in attachment. (We reserve the right to edit submissions.) Send images & artwork by attachment (JPG, TIFF) to email. Navel Gazing is available at Abraxis Books, Hornby Co-op, Silhouette Dance Shop, Orbitz Café, Island Natural Foods, Indigo House Boutique, Lifestyle Market, and Teachers, Libraries, Community Centres, Women's Centres, and Fitness Clubs in Campbell River, Comox Valley, Cortes, Errington, Gold River, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Powell River, Quadra, Sayward, Sointula. Uclulet, Victoria, Woss ....

Advertising Rates Classified Ads $4.00Business Card $13.00Quarter Page $18.00One third Page $28.00Half Page $35.00Two thirds Page $45.00Full Page $55.00Flyer Inclusion $60.00Class Listings $6 (inc. resource ad.)Resource Listing $6

© Danu Dreaming 2003. Permission to copy for personal use only. Contents may not be reproduced elsewhere without

written permission.

PublisherErin DragonsongGeneral Delivery

Denman Island, BCV0R 1T0

(250) [email protected]

HG

Con

tent

s

2 3

(Continued next page...)


Secrets of Body Learning — by Roberta Meilleur

Like most people, I’m not comfortable in the awkward stage of learning and so am eager to integrate new information in the quickest way possible. While working on the new and unusual movements of Bellydance, I discovered how to best assist my body to program in new movements and so learn faster. These methods have proven effective in all my teaching since then.

S e c r e t # 1The slower you move, the faster you

learn.

The fastest way to program a new move, I found, is to learn it as slowly as possible. When a movement is done slowly there’s time for accuracy. The brain gets to register the new pathway in complete detail with the added bonuses of awareness and feeling. Speed comes only with familiarity as then the pathway ex-ists and accuracy can be maintained. People often believe fast movements are the goal and so jump in at that tempo. But a movement learned in haste has less, or little, definition and control and so lacks grace. A slow, controlled movement can even-tually become fast, but a fast, undis-ciplined movement is hard to slow down — and when slowed, is apt to display its rough edges.

There are other benefits to moving slowly besides accuracy.

ä Slow, controlled movements can generate an intense internal power fueled by intended tension. When teamed with emotion, this power broadcasts as energy, tak ing express ion in to spirituality. The slow, inward focused and mesmerizing moves of bellydance are such an example. Many emotions such as hope, despair, anger and

exaltation can all be strongly “spoken” using slow, intense moves.

ä Flowing movements are only possible through the accuracy of slow learning. That’s because flow in dance is the absence of edges and sharp points. It’s a smooth continuum of roundness. When all points in a curve or circle have been slowly and clearly programmed, an even flow can exist.

S e c r e t # 2The slower a movement, the larger

its possible range. The faster a movement, the smaller

its possible range.

The size/tempo relationship plays an important role in body learning. In all fairness to your body, the faster the movement, the smaller it will be, out of necessity.

The body can’t easily (or gracefully) cover the same ground in a half or a quarter of the rhythm time.

A good example of this is shoulder movement. A slow shoulder movement will be large,

emphasized and expressive. A shoulder shimmy on the other hand is rapid and tiny. A large shoulder movement done to a rapid rhythm would disjoint the flow, if

not the shoulder.

S e c r e t # 3Stop everything the instant you

feel you’ve lost the movement’s flow — and stop every time you

lose it.

Mistakes are a big part of learn-ing. They require attention so they don’t compound. Even when the cor-rect movement is achieved, the body normally can’t sustain the new pattern at first and so the movement breaks down. If you want to learn faster, make sure you don’t input your un-

4 5

(Continued ...)

7

DonationsThis issue has mostly been paid for by myself:

If you enjoyed this magazine, please help me recoup the cost of bringing it to you!

Donations may be mailed to: Erin Dragonsong, Gen Del, Denman Island, BC, V0R 1T0.

Thank You!

7


intended mistakes along with your intended moves. It’s very common to just keep going once

there’s a slip in the flow, but two predictable, negative things are likely to happen if you do. The movement will almost certainly degenerate into chaos and tension, and the mind will include your mistake — and the ensuing chaos — in its new program. With no indication other-wise, the mind believes the slip, the chaos and the tension are intended. Ultimately, this means you’ll have to back up at some point and de-program this series of events.

When you stop the action, breathe, and re-start correctly you avoid wasted time and energy. The brain gets the emphatic message that you want only the correct movement. It’s very obliging. It also assumes you’re in control which means you must be on guard for any and all slippage. This is a major short cut to body control.

Excerpt from “World Dance: A Joyful Path To Free Movement and Personal Growth” by Roberta Meilleur. Free & Footloose Publications Copyright 2001 by Ro-berta Meilleur

Sorry!In the last issue, I neglected to give Soraya's contact info...

You can find her Interna-tional-Cultural website at www.adnetint.com/soraya

E-mail address: [email protected]'s best selling Middle Eastern style bellydance video collection: www.adnetint.com/soraya/video.htm

Navel Gazing Online Just because it’s not in your hands doesn’t mean it’s gone! Through Goddess in the Belly.com, Navel Gazing will continue to provide a valuable and enjoyable service to our dance community. The format and content will be the same. You’ll just pick it up on-line: either to print out or read at the computer. So if you haven’t gotten around to sending in your writings, quotes, or artworks, don’t despair: send them in and they will be published in the new online format. And Goddess in the Belly already has an extensive collection of quotes for bellydancers, inspirational poems, drawings, and more. Plus links to bellydance sites, including festivals, tours, and events. One addition will be a flamenco section. Some flamenco links and images are already online, and the flamenco section will be growing. In the future we may be able to offer flamenco instructional vid-eos by Carolina Calderon through this site. So join us at www.goddessinthebelly.com and click onto the Navel Gazing button. Navel Gazing will still be our bellydance forum: giving as much to our community as the community wants to give. See you there!PS: I have lost all email addresses! Please write to me at [email protected] if you teach/sell/produce, advertise, subscribe, or want to be informed when Navel Gazing's new issues are released. Thanks!!

Beauty deprived of its proper foils and adjuncts ceases to be enjoyed as beauty, just as light deprived of all shadows ceases to be enjoyed as light. — John Ruskin

vvv

4 5

7


Saroyan Zils “Superior Zils,

Superior Sound”

Great Service:

House calls plus knowledgeable assistance

Many styles to choose from!

Erin: 250 - 335 - [email protected]

"I’ll help you find the perfect set of zils for you."

Also : Three Muses Coins& Venus Rising Diamonds Coins

I don’t got rhythm ...I’d like to take a step sideways for this les-

son, and discuss rhythm: specifically, how to de-velop it.Many people feel they have “no rhythm,” and this makes the idea of zils intimidating. Don’t worry: you don’t have to have rhythm. But you do need to develop rhythm. And you can. I know, because I did. I started out, many years ago, having less rhythm than the average white man. I’ve come a long way! And it doesn’t take long.

(Make a game of this and play with a child: it’s a lot more fun!)

Start by noticing your heartbeat. Put your hands on your chest, or at your throat. Feel it pulse. Rhythm is natural to you, it is inborn! Your heart-beat, your breath, your walking pace, your eating and sleeping all give your life rhythm. All you need is to notice it.

Next, turn on some old R&B, rock, or dance club/disco music, or even kids’ music. The beat is usually so apparent and steady, it’s easy to work with. Play it loud, turn up the bass and turn down the treble. Listen for the drum. Feel its pulse in your body. Get the feel of the beat: does it feel bouncy? heavy? What sense does it inspire in you?

Clap your hands to it. This helps you feel the beat in your body and your ears can confirm your accuracy. It may be a little unsteady at first, but that’s ok: it really doesn’t take long. Try adding your toe or heel. You can clap each time you hear a beat, or you can clap with each major or heavy beat and pause for the rest. For now all that’s important is hearing it and responding. Play with it.

Once you have got a pretty good feel for it, and can continue fairly accurately during a pause in the drumbeat or at the end of the song, you’re ready to start expanding on it. Find a song with 4 good beats per measure. Rock and disco are usually in 4/4 time, so there will be a heavy beat, a space or light beat, a moderate beat, and a space or light beat. For now, concentrate on the major beat. Clap, pause, pause, pause, Clap, pause, pause, pause….

Continue for a song or two, til you feel comfortable with the rhythm. Then clap for the first and third beat. Clap, pause, clap, pause, Clap, pause, clap, pause…. After a while, you can ex-periment with giving the first beat an extra strength clap. When you’ve got this, go for only the third beat. Pause, pause, clap, pause, Pause, pause, clap, pause…. Play with all the variations on this that you

can think of: only the second beat, only the first and second beats, only the second and fourth beats, all but the first beat….

A further development is to use different parts of your body for different beats. Clap the first beat, stomp the third. Do this for a while, then try a new one. Clap, pause, stomp, wink. Kick, tap, clap, clap. Whatever you and your diminutive friend can think up to challenge each other.

Lastly, begin trying music with subtler beats. Swing is good: the rhythm is quite clear but any drumming is quite subtle. And when you’re ready for it, go for the Middle Eastern rhythms. Play around, see if you can identify the heavy beats in various rhythms, and clap along.

Congratulations! You now have rhythm! Well, perhaps a little more practice is necessary, but you have all the basics, and you really did it! And it probably only took an hour or so. All you need now is fine-tuning and experience: so play with it, every chance you get. You’ll be signed up for drum lessons before you know it. See you there!

Zil

Tips

7

6 7

AdornmentAntiquityAphroditeArchingArmsButtocksChestChinContrastDeftDoumDuetEnsembleExpressionFinger-snapsGhaziyaGig

HandwaveHem KhaledKhaleegyLifeLiquidLoveMaskMelodyNavelOuled NailPertPhrasePropsRakaduRaks AssayaRestRhythm

SanctifyScimitarSnakeySoftSoulStarStillSubtletySuiteTeachTentTorsoTurnsTwirlsVivaciousWildWorship

Words may go in any direction including angles and backwards. Bonus Words are found among letters already used in other words, but not wholly within any one word. (Eg, wit not from within, but from sew + item.)

7


Scramble: The Muse of Dancing: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

(answer on page 9

Share your creationsand inspirations

with others who willtruly appreciate them:

Bellydancers!

Please see Pg 2 for submission details.

The beauty of artistic expression of sensuality is one of the most moving and powerful elements of this dance, and a path to ecstasy.

— Natasya K.

Wordsearch

6 7

(Continued next page...)

Stretching the body is stretching

the spirit . . .“


muscle is free to let go.

Stretching tips:1. Listen to your body. Physical tension, emotional ten-

sion, and fl exibility vary from side to side, day to day, even moment to moment. As your body is different every day, your stretching should respond to the body in the present moment. Let go of expectations that it “should” be performing any specifi c way.

2. Tailor a stretch to your personal physical needs. Every body is different: what is good for one may be harmful to another.

3. Exhale as you move into a stretch. Breathe relax-ation and release into the muscle.

4. Inhale as you are about to move out of the stretch: it signals your muscles they are about to move. Let the in-breath help lift your body out of the stretch.

5. Avoid bounc-ing and over-stretching. Both can do more harm than good! A more patient, attentive, sustained stretch will get you farther, and not leave you prone to injuries.

6. It isn’t necessary to push yourself or try to go far-ther than is comfortable. Always stretch just under the point that is your maximum movement: leave yourself a bit of room that you could go farther.

7. Pay attention to pain: it is an indication that some-thing is wrong! Stretching should not be painful.

8. Be aware of tension in other places during a stretch. Keep the thighs, feet, toes, hands, wrists, shoulders, face, tongue, and jaw relaxed. There is a connection between tension held in the jaw and tension in the hips and pelvis: relaxing the jaw helps those relax as well.

9. Be aware of the alignment of your body: lower back, head, shoulders, legs. Generally, hips should be squared to the body...they’ll tend to angle as you stretch your legs.

10. Keep your knees soft, never locked. 11. Keep your lower back strong and fl at while stretch-

ing. Your spine should be elongated, and your chest

Stretching the body is stretching the spirit. Since we hold so much tension and past pain in our bodies, actively working to release the physical blocks can set us free on emotional, psychological, and spiritual levels as well. A good stretching program makes us feel good, at every level!

Stretching BasicsThere are two kinds of stretches: the easy stretch, which reduces muscular tightness and readies the muscle for the developmental stretch, and the developmental stretch, which fi ne-tunes the muscles and increases fl exibility.

1. When beginning a stretch, exhale as you move to the point of mild tension in the muscle. Breathe into that muscle, envisioning it releasing. Be gentle and patient. This easy stretch should be held between 10-30 seconds, until you feel the tension release. Sometimes this is a subtle shift: if you’re not certain, stay with it and keep breathing until you feel another release. If the muscle does not relax, ease off slightly to a more comfortable level of tension: you might have gone a bit too far for the fi rst stretch.

2. After you feel the release in tension, ease a fraction of an inch more into the stretch with your breath, until you feel a mild tension again. Remember: gentleness is the key! As before, breathe into it, allow the release to occur. This stretch should be held 10-30 seconds as well, until the tension subsides.

3. Breathing is essential. If your breath is holding as you stretch, it signals the muscles to stay alert and hold on. Releasing your breath into the stretch, especially with vocalizations (such as sigh-ing), cues the muscle that it is time to relax. If you fi nd that you are holding your breath, this is often a sign that you’ve gone beyond mild tension: ease back a little.

4. Support a muscle that is being stretched. Avoid asking the muscle to relax while it is needed to support the body. Use hands, arms, pillows, etc for support so the

Stretching — by e dragonsong

8 9

(Continued...)

7


lifted high. Don’t allow the back to sag or curve as you stretch: you can hurt your back this way. (Keep-ing your back flat and strong can cause some strain if your back muscles aren’t used to this work...take it gently and frequently release the back with an arching stretch, acknowledging the work it’s doing, then ask it again to be strong.)

12. Stretching feels good when done correctly. Ideally, it is peaceful, relaxing, and pleasant.

13. The keys to achieving maximum benefits of stretch-ing is simply to do it regularly and to relax into it!

Why Bother?For bellydancers in particular, stretching’s benefits are especially apt. Stretching:• develops body awareness; you get to know your body,

yourself.• loosens the mind’s control of the body so that the

body moves more naturally, for its own sake rather than for competition or ego.

• keeps you grounded in your body• helps you practice moving from your centre• increases range of motion and flexibility• allows for freer and easier movement• strengthens the back• makes strenuous activities easier by signalling the

muscles that they are about to be used• helps prevent injuries such as muscle strains• helps maintain your muscle tone• it feels good.

Some of this info adapted from Stretching, by Bob Anderson: an excellent resource for stretches for all kinds of activities.

As with any exercise routine, check with your health practitio-ner before beginning a new program.

" It is her nature to create, to try new steps, to dance into the unknown, letting space itself hold her up, becoming light enough to flow with cosmic patterns traced like spider silk in the sun, moving lines of gossamer light." — Julie McKay, Glimpses of a Mystical Affair (about Swami Radha)

8 9

7


^

Special thanks to the Evening at the Taverna show organizers who gave us a table to share Navel Gazing with you, and encouraged donations to the magazine. Thanks Women!!

Navel Gazer of the Month

Answer to Wordsearch Scramble: Terpsichore

A woman’s belly is a garden with many kinds of fruit. — Arabian Proverb

The Triple Goddess Tarot- Isha Lerner & Mara Friedmanwww.InnerTraditions.com

“. . . Realize your own Infinite Potential” with 25 vivid transforming cards & 7 Chakra cards. Awaken to archtypes of Maiden/mother/crone & celebrate them within! Aro-matherapy included with each divination. Soul messages:

“If you can imagine it you can create it,If you can dream it, you can become it.”

“Open your life to Her infinite kiss of peace.”

“The key to your happiness & contentment lies within you, within your own heart & mind . . . You cannot blame your state of mind on anyone else. It all rests with you.”

Serpent of the NileWomen & Dance in the Arab World

THANK YOU to all you teachers and sup-porters who are distributing this magazine to others. We couldn't do it without you!And special THANKS to our advertisers and donators whose financial contributions make it possible to produce this magazine.

BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL! !

- Wendy Buonaventura(available thru Interlib. loan at VIRL)

Beside the fire,As the wood burns black,A laughing dancer in veils of light,Whose dance transforms the darkness to gold.An inspiring book illustrated by many glorious paint-ings of dancers & musicians.

— By Dawnee Atargatis

Call Toll Free1-866-335-3061or email us:[email protected]

• Proven, Natural• High Potency• Safe, Effective• Internal & External Use• Cert. Organic Olive Oil

AntiviralAntifungal

AntibacterialA medicine chest

in one small bottle!

www.WildOilofOregano.com

Denman Island BC Canada

Review

s

10 11

7

Party conversations become livelier . . . “


Some Benefits of Bellydance — by Linda J. DoerksenWe’ve read the books. They say bellydance stretches ease arthritis and enhance coordination. They say that dancing will improve cardiovascular health, trim and tone muscles, and reduce excess weight. And it is all more-or-less true, within proper context. For instance, for toning and body-shaping, you must meet your optimum heart rate during your practice, and practice at least three times every week. Or, when danc-ing to reduce weight, you must also drink a sufficient amount of water, cut back on refined foods, and increase fruits and vegetables. Bellydance is an excellent addition to creating a balanced life. Some years back I developed carpal tunnel syndrome. In the process of recovering, and wanting to do so with-out the aid of operations, I added strange things to my diet and wore wrist braces constantly. But when I finally listened to my chiropractor, my massage therapist, my physiotherapist, and my body, I added dance stretches every day, which increased the speed of my healing. I never did have those operations; but then, I did not go back to computer programming either. One student, in my early years of teaching, came to classes even though she was dealing with bursitis. She checked with her doctor before enrolling (which should be done by anyone with misgivings) and talked to me about her limita-tions. I gave her the usual talk about listening to her body, moving gently, and only moving as far as is comfortable. “Pain is not gain.” Near the end of her first eight-week session, she joyfully demonstrated her regained mobility. (It seems her doctor was impressed, too.) Since I have no medical training, I will not make any health-promoting claims. But these things I know to be true... Tension headaches will ease in every class, and after every session of warm-up, stretches, and practice. The warm-up gets all the big muscles moving and pumping blood; hot tubs and hot showers are not enough! Once the blood is moving, gently and thoroughly stretch muscles from top to bottom (or bottom to top!); this will tell you which muscles you have unconsciously contracted, and the slow movement that good stretching requires reduces tension. Practice the dance movements,

alternating between upper body and lower, and between small and large; this gives you a chance to focus on your-self, and let go of the outside world. (Did you turn off the phone? And lock the door?) By taking the time to locate and consciously release tense muscles, you tap into the energy that you stored there. At the end of every workout, that energy becomes available to you; many (possibly most) students come to class tired and leave class with en-ergy to spare! As tension leaves your body, your relationships become more relaxed. And party con-versations become livelier when you casually mention your evening workout! As posture becomes tall, flexible and balanced, clothes fit better. Your sense of balance becomes more finely at-tuned. Practising three times every week (to the point of exercise-induced perspiration) gives you more stamina

and greater suppleness. Other physical activities benefit; one woman’s golf game improved because she was

more agile in the twist. You smile more. People start to tell you, “You’re looking good!” Class/exercise time is also personal time. Be-ing away from the stresses of home and work, in

an environment that accepts women as they are, encouraging them to reach into the adventuresome

selves kept hidden away, allows us to remember that each of us is a unique, sensual, and valuable person, because of and in spite of our gender.

So, go ahead and dance for any reason you like; it’s good for you -and- fun!

Posture Points• Head lifted so that spine “hangs” underneath• Chin tipped so breathing passages are fully open• Shoulders relaxed down and back• Breathe so the stomach moves• Back lengthened• Pelvis slightly tucked under• Knees slightly bent• Knees and toes point in the same direction• Weight is in the center of your feet• Take three slow breaths and smile!

10 11

Look for the next issue of Navel Gazing

online in September!


7 BanffJuly 26 - 30, Banff, AB. Hadia, internationally-renowned dancer and teacher offers an “Inten-sive Teacher Training Retreat” Level 1. For more information visit Hadia.com Aug 1 - 4, Banff, AB. Hadia, internationally-renowned dancer and teacher offers an “Intensive Teacher Training Retreat” Level 2. For more information visit Hadia.com August 5 - 10, Banff, AB. Hadia offers Intensive Oriental and North African Dance Instruc-tion with special guest Devorah from Barcelona, Spain. Learn the Secrets of Injury Prevention and Safe, Effective Teaching Techniques. Release Your Body & Soul with Massage/Manual Therapy and Spa Treatments.

7 Cortes IslandJuly 20-25. The one and only Margie Gillis will teach a one week intensive at Hollyhock this summer. This is your chance to dance your soul’s content! www.hollyhock.ca

7 Denman IslandAug 8-11. Gathering Essence: Celebrating the Goddess Within through dance, ritual, and cer-emony . Limited space: register early. Contact Ella 335-1208 or Taiya 250-248-8302

7 ErringtonJune 7. World Dance Coffeehouse: 8pm, Errington Hall. Greek or Lebanese meal available @ 6:30. Adults $12, Kids $7, 5 & under free. Contact Taiya: 250-248-8302 ([email protected]).June 7. Workshops with Nath Keo: Egyptian Raks Sharqi (Orientale) at 10am. Raks Shaabi (Egyptian Modern/ Pop) at 12pm. $25 each, or $40 for both. Pre-register by June 5th or call Taiya 250-248-8302 ([email protected]).

7 VancouverAugust 2003. Venus presents her Third Annual Bellydance Intensive with guest teachers. Please check her website for details.

7 VictoriaAug.22-Sept.1. Earthfire will present our show MIRAJ - Beyond Bellydance at the VictoriaFringe Festival. Info at 250-753-1659 (Nanaimo) or 250-383-2662(Victoria).

7 Festivals 7Seattle, WA July 18, 19 2003 The Babylonian Ensemble presents the 16th Annual Mediterranean Fantasy Festival. Two days of non-stop dancing & shopping, workshops with Saqra. Call 206-824-4751 or email [email protected].

7 Events listings are free! Let others know about upcoming events: email [email protected], or phone 335-1599. (~30words/187char.incl. spaces)

Even

ts7

12 13

Perfume Scents-ibility — by e. dragonsong

(Continued on Page 14...)


Ah, perfume! Your intoxicating dance enhanced by an intoxicating scent! It is as much a part of your cos-tume as your skirt and your makeup. In fact, it’s in your makeup. Since the olfactory centre is so closely tied to our emotional centre, it makes sense that when we want to evoke an emotional response in our audience, we include perfume in our dance kit. So the question is: how much perfume is best? It can be diffi cult to judge a good amount of perfume to apply to ourselves. This is partly because our sense of smell will block out a persistent odour, so we can’t smell ourselves accurately. And we tend to err, in the Western world, on the side of excess. But while a subtle hint may entice the senses on a subconscious level, adding pleasure to the experience, a heavy dose will turn people off. Would you prefer them inhaling deeply when you dance by, or holding their breath and hoping you don’t linger? (I’ve seen the latter happen, and the audience was so distracted by the over-whelming perfume they lost the experience of the dance.)

Remember, your makeup is already scented, as is your soap, shampoo, deoder-ant, hair spray, hand cream…1 (unless you’ve gone out of your way to fi nd fragrance free brands2) so before you add a drop of perfume, your olfac-tory aura is already permeating the room.

But there is another side to the perfume issue, a dark side. Few people are aware that perfume contains extremely hazardous chemicals. That pretty fragrance that seems so uplifting is actually made with known carcinogens and nerve toxins! Many of the ingredients are irritants to the respiratory tract, eyes, mouth, and are dangerous to the internal organs.

Ingredients have warnings such as “Avoid inhala-tion of vapors” (Camphor, Ethanol, Limonene), “Triggers asthma attacks - known to cause asthma in previously healthy people” (Toluene) “May cause coma in severe exposures” (Acetone), “May cause kidney damage” (Benzaldehyde), “On EPA Hazardous Waste list” (Etha-nol), “Wash thoroughly after handling” (Ethyl Acetate), “Prevent contact with skin” (Limonene), “Sensitizer (damaging to the immune system)” (Benzaldehyde, a-Pi-

nene), “On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste Lists” (Methylene Chloride), “Causes asthma” (g-Terpinene), “Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema. … Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact” (a-Terpineol), “Known mu-tagen, known to cause cancer, birth defects, infertil-ity, nervous system damage” (a-Pinene).3 This is only the tip of the iceberg. 4

The extent of damage we do to ourselves with a product so casually and widely used is astonishing. And the number of people adversely affected is huge: several studies indicate that 15-30% of the general population re-port sensitivity to chemicals, including fragrances.4 And

asthma sufferers are a group growing at an alarming rate. 3 So it is likely that people in every audience

will be sensitive to perfumes, perhaps dan-gerously so.

Yet the desire to add the dimension of beautiful scent to our performance, and our lives, is real. Luckily, there are alterna-tives.

Try using essential oils , or fl ower essences. Amber and other solids also provide wonder-ful scents.6

Even so, remember: Less is more! People will no more enjoy being swamped by your perfume than being hit with your veil. But a discreet scent will be enjoyed by all. And no harm will be done, to yourself, your family, or the audience.

1 Products such as air ‘fresheners’, incense, cosmetics, soaps, detergents and fabric softeners, personal care products, household and automotive cleaners, sunscreen, insect repellent, mothballs, kitty litter, dry cleaning, and many more are normally perfumed.2 “Unscented” usually means they’ve covered up an un-pleasant scent with another chemical. “Fragrance free” usually means nothing has been added as a scent. Check the label (although even that can be misleading due to

The desire to add the dimension of beautiful scent to our performance, and our lives, is real . . .

“

12 13

7

Pears and women are the sweetest in the parts that are heaviest. — Japanese Proverb

7


Intro to Bellydance Erin: Let's Bellydance! TM Fun introductory workshops in your town. 335-1599; [email protected]

Beginners

Linda (Halima), Courtenay, Monday 6pm. Classes are fun & foundational. Comox Rec Ctr: 339-2255.

Intermediate

Linda (Halima), Courtenay, Monday 7:45-9:15pm. Learn a choreography, develop tech niques of transition, combination, & presentation. Comox Rec Ctr: 339-2255.

Private Lessons Linda (Halima), Courtenay. Call 703-0494;

[email protected]

Customized Group Classes

Roberta Meilleur: Call to inquire: 334-0963, or see website www.joyfulfreemovement.com.

Zils (Finger Cymbals) Erin: Zils classes or private sessions at your request. From basics and troubleshooting to developing the language of zils. 335-1599; [email protected]

Over 200 audience members, dancers and volun-teers were present at our Community Hall to witness the fi rst ever belly dance show to be held in Sointula. The show, entitled “Through the Veil” broke through many stereotypes and introduced a wide variety of styles of belly dance by dancers who came from as far south as Victoria. The audience were treated to a smorgasboard of dance including Raks Sharqi, American Tribal, Romanian Gypsy, some veil work, a zil piece, a cane dance and a sword-tot-ing male belly dancer. All levels of experience were represented from some of our fi rst-time local dancers to several professional guest dancers. For me, one of the highlights was performing a birth dance at seven and a half months pregnant with members of our new Sointula troupe and three Den-man dancers with whom I had fi rst experienced belly dance. This piece, for which the show was named, was a celebration of the birth of the Divine Dancer Within; the birth of a new community of belly danc-ers; and the upcoming birth of a child to my hus-band, son, and I.

Sointula: Through the Veil— by Kathryn Burgess-Griffi th

The evening was a fabulous success as a fundrais-er as well. We managed to raise over $2,000 towards the purchase of full-length mirrors for use by com-munity groups in our hall. Of course it could not have happened were it not for the amazing efforts of our many volunteers - the Girl Guides, members of the Tai Chi group, local folks and belly dancers and the members of the Soin-tula Belly Dance Troupe who organized the event. I would like to say thank you to everyone who collaborated in creating such a fun event. Special thanks also to the dancers who travelled so far to support our new belly dance community: Nath Keo, “Kelleeah”, “C.R. Bel-lies”, Riane DaSilva, Edith Jacob, and Heather Hillberry.

Classes

14 15

(Continued from Page 12...)

7Navel Gazing 7 Summer 2003 Summer 2003 7 Navel Gazing

Dancer’s Songs II

Deb’s Songteasing our heartsArtemis blasts her hot stuff fi re of wild woman

Sheelagh’s Songceltic priestess trillssteel strong as an athamepointed at our throats

Yvonne’s Songsilver moon beams fl oatcalling us from beneath veilssiren sings “Behold”

— by Ana Miriam Leigh

the lack of regulation, it gives the most information).3 Julia Kendall, Co-Chair, Citizens for a Toxic-Free Marin. References: Lance Wallace, Environmental Protection Agency; and the Material Safety Data Sheets. Also: Envi-ronmental Health Perspectives Volume 106, December 12, 1998; No Perfume Means Healthier Air article; Identifi ca-tion of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments by Lance A. Wallace, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Scents & Sensitivity by Brandy E. Fisher in Environmental Health Perspectives.4 More info can be found in the original document by J. Kendall. As well, she offers these as Relevant Facts: 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. (Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace, Report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986.) Central Nervous System disorders (brain and spine) in-clude Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Lupus, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s), Alzheimer’s Disease, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Ten million Americans have asthma. Asthma and asthma deaths have increased over 30% in the past 10 years.

SYMPTOMS PROVOKED BY FRAGRANCES INCLUDE: Exposure to scented products can cause exhaus-tion, “hay fever” symptoms, dizziness, diffi culty concentrat-ing, headaches, rashes, swollen lymph glands, muscle aches and spasms, heart palpitations, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, asthma attacks (inability to breathe), neuromotor dysfunction, seizures, and loss of consciousness…. (Scents & Sensitivity)

Also dermatitis, excema, migraines, sinusitis,Watery or dry eyes, double vision, sneezing, nasal conges-

tion, sinusitis, tinnitus, ear pain, dizziness, coughing, bronchi-tis, diffi culty swallowing, asthma, anaphylaxis, fatigue, confu-sion, disorientation, incoherence, short-term memory loss, leth-argy, anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, restlessness, hives, eczema, fl ushing, joint pain, muscle weakness, hyperten-sion, swollen lymph glands, and more. (Candida Research and Information Foundation, Perfume Survey, 1989-90)

MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) is caused by overexposure to toxic chemicals. Even if you don’t feel the effects yet, your health is still being damaged. (“No Perfume Means Healthier Air”)

Babies and children are even more vulnerable, as are people who recovering from cancer and other illnesses.

The toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air pollution. (EPA report, 1985)

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 150 common household chemicals have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities.”

5 Claudia Miller, Associate Professor of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Texas Health Sci-ences Center, San Antonio. Also Research in Nursing & Health,1998. 6 Avoid products with any artifi cial additives or ingredients: in most cases these are just perfumes with good PR. Organic is the safest bet.

Deadline for Autumn Issue:

Aug. 15, 2003Be sure to get your classes and events in.

14 15

7 Remember 7to tell our advertiserswhere you saw their adso they know that,while they support us,we are supporting them!

O O O O O

BEADS BEADS BEADS!Now offering small & bulk supplies.

Fabulous Colours! Special Orders welcome.

Call Erin @ 335-1599

7


TeachersErin Dragonsong: 335-1599, Denman

Island: Zils, ChoreographyGillian Saxby: 335-1097,

[email protected], Denman/Campbell River/as requested in other areas. Sacred women's dance.

Linda Doerksen (Halima): 703-0494, [email protected], Courtenay. Clas-sical bellydance with veil and sword, or folk-style (fully covered); for anniversaries, birthdays, theme parties and other cel-ebrations.

Lynette 250-753-1659, harpfi n@pacifi ccoast.net, Nanaimo: Masterclasses

Meinsja, 935-6618, Cortes Isl, Middle East-ern Dance

Roberta Meilleur: 334-0963, Courte-nay, www.joyfulfreemovement.com, [email protected]: Bellydance, Street Latin, World /African. Postural as-sistance a specialty. Private or semi-pri-vate sessions.

Taiya: 248-8302, [email protected], Parksville. Creative Movement for men & women, Tails & Veils: Kids Creative Movement, Traditional Bellydance for beginners & advanced.

PerformersEarth Fire: Contact Lynette 753-1659,

harpfi n@pacifi ccoast.netFaith Lafave: 758-0230, [email protected], Nanaimo:

Raqs Sharqi, Maghreb dance (North African), Algerian, Andalous, and Ouled Nail.

ResourcesMiddle Eastern Dance Association, P.O. Box 41092,

Shaughnessy Postal Outlet, 2529 Shaughnessy St, Port Coquitlam, B.C., V3C 3G1 http://MEDA.bc.ca/

Navel Gazing Bellydance Magazine, www.goddessin-theBelly.com, [email protected], 335-1599; E. Dragonsong, GD, Denman Is, BC, V0R 1T0

Oriental Performing Arts: www.caravansary.bc.ca/opa PO Box 23030, 4-4313, Cook St. Victoria BC V8V 4Z8

VendorsGoddess in the Belly: Bulk Beads, Designer

Bead Fringe, Zils. Erin Dragonsong: 335-1599, [email protected], GoddessintheBelly.com

Silhouette Theatre & Dance Shop: 334-9219, 385-5th St, Courtenay. Coin belts, fringes, zils, and more.

Fringe & Tassel Interiors: 390-5058, 103 - 6750 island Hwy N., Nanaimo. Fringes, tassels braids, & trims.

Ice Cube Imports: Middle Eastern Dance Supplies and Costumes. www.icecubeimports.com.

Resou

rces

Coming IssuesMiddle Eastern MusicBeing a Pro. Dancer

Pregnancy/ChildbirthBeauty

Navel Gazing 7 Summer 2003

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,

gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking

so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission

to do the same.

As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

— Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

Documents

**Navel Gazing #5 -Summer'03 · Unfortunately, putting out a magazine by oneself takes an extraordinary amount of time and ef-fort, and significant cost, not to mention a computer