Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Quick Updates and Upcoming Events!

Due to computer issues the last several months, I am finally able to do some updating with a new laptop! Woohoo! The other one decided to stop running properly and I couldn't even get into the log on screen once the computer ran the start up process. So here I am with updates!

I don't recall if this was talked about in any previous posts, but this year I had the opportunity to be an assistant guild mistress for our dancing troupe Banat Tanjora that performs at renaissance faires. It's been an experience in helping the guild mistress in matters of faire and the policies in place as the troupe has been converting from strictly performers to a performance guild that interacts with everyone from visitors to other guilds. It's been fun watching the shift this year as well as helping add 2-3 additional faires to the year's list. For those who wish to catch us in 2014, we'll be at Visalia Renaissance Faire and Fresno's Pirate Faire in May, Hanford Renaissance Faire in October and Kearney Renaissance Faire in November.

I have also had quite the experience this last year and a half under the new teaching of Lydia Fortner-Walker. I went to her in June of 2012 to learn Tribal Fusion and I have learned quite a bit. I had a very pleasant surprise recently in finding out that she had made the recommendation that I be moved from her Level 2 class to her Level 3. This is a significant step for me as the Level 3 class is comprised of advanced students who make up the group Tanjora. So I will begin this next journey at the end of January and I am looking forward to the growth and learning experience.

Currently, I am preparing for 2 performances coming up in the next 3 weeks. This weekend I have a performance at an event called 12th Night which is mostly renaissance faire people. It's a festivity that invites people to dress up from renaissance to steampunk. So Banat Tanjora will be performing at this fun event. The next one I am preparing for is our student recital through California Arts Academy. I have a nice number of dances I am having to practice and refresh myself on, so I am definitely kept busy right now.

I am also preparing for the 2014 Shimmy Mob event that will be taking place on May 10th. For those who don't know, this is an international event to raise awareness to domestic violence. If you are interested in donating or wanting to participate, head over to Shimmy Mob. Early bird registration is $25 until January 15th and will then raise to the regular price of $35. The fees cover access to the choreography and video tutorials as well as the shirts you are to wear for the event. I strongly recommend getting involved if possible as domestic violence hurts everyone, not just the victims. 2013 was the first year I participated and it was such a wonderful experience with the local bellydancers who got involved. This year, myself and another will be leading our city and we are very much looking forward to recruiting people to get involved, learn a new choreography and bonding with those in our community. Should be a lot of fun!

I know I am leaving this blog a little shorter than I had wanted, but I wanted to give a few quick updates since I have been MIA for a while.

I hope you all have an amazing New Year and keep checking back for more content and shared info!


Ryunade