The Joy of Slow Movement
I had a new client drop into my class the other day doing Pilates for the first time. She seemed like she was enjoying the class but afterwards when I checked in with her she told that she only does high intensity cardio exercises so this class wasn’t really up
THE HISTORY OF SHIK SHAK SHOK
The History of Shik Shak Shok This song is probably one of the well known songs that seems to surpass every culture. It is played at every celebratory event - from parties to nightclubs to weddings to ladies only events. It has lasted over 50 years and shows no sign of
HOW TO GET RICH QUICK. OR NOT:Some facts and thoughts about workshop and event production – Guest Author Bobbie Barry
This blog post comes from Victoria-based dancer & troupe leader of Bashirah Middle Eastern Dance Company Bobbie Barry. Bobbie has been hosting successful events for many years & brings us her wealth of knowledge on event planning based on her experiences. Several times I have had a student comment that I
Egypt Recap!
Egypt - Om al Dunya RECAP I am JUST back from an epic trip to Cairo and holy cow, it was EPIC. It was my 1st trip back in over 4 years and while Egypt doesn’t usually change much, I noticed ALOT of changes this time round. There have new additions in the
Shahrzad in Vancouver 2024
Ashley Rhianne is SO EXCITED to bring Superstar Shahrzad to Vancouver in September 2024! Only 45 spots will be open for the intensive! TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: (Open to change) Hours TBC Thursday September 19 Thursday open class: Shahrzad Signature Tabla Solo *separate class from intensive 630-9pm (2.5 hours) Learn Shahrzad’s unique tabla solo technique in
Raqs Baladi
Raqs baladi / baladi dance is characterized by the rich & playful accordion, flirty funky percussion, and that general demeanour of a strong sassy dancer. First off - the world 'balad' / 'baladi' means "country, my country". You can find baladi bread, baladi dogs, baladi vegetables in Egypt everywhere. It means
The Competition
I just had my first student compete in a festival in Cairo - the Cleopatra Dance Fest in which I was a coordinator for. My student, who is a fastly rising star here in Vancouver, worked tirelessly for months before this competition & I was in awe watching her manage a
Enjoy the beginner process
I was teaching an essential beginners pilate class recently to a group of absolute beginners - as in 1-3 classes of experience. After class the group hung out for a few minutes talking when I walked in. One woman who I have taught 3 times told me that her first
Why Musicality?
Why Musicality? “Dance is music made visible” - George Balanchine Dancers & instructors often reference the importance of musicality in our dance but what is it REALLY? And why is it important? Do we really need it in dance? How do you define musicality? Read on to find out… What is musicality? Musicality is
Cultivating good sleep hygiene
It is SPRING! As the world slowly awakens from its dark slumber, fresh green shoots are popping up through the hard ground. Crocuses have yawned their way into the sunlight & the evening sun now stretches. It is hands down my favourite time of year. It is another time for reflection, taking stock &