Summer Performance Recap & Hiatus

Troupe rehearsals are on official break although we haven't met for a real rehearsal since mid-June due to performances.  Some of us love dancing together so much we'll be meeting elsewhere during the break, but its options :)  It's been a busy couple of weeks for performances -- 4 performances, 3 weeks:
 - donated "dress rehearsal" show to the Pioneer Home
 - annual Concert's in the Park performance
 - donated post-CiP show to Wildflower Court (it was their 'turn' in the donation rotation, but they hadn't been available the week before and we wanted to see them this summer)
 - 4th of July Parade performance


Hopefully, I'll get some photos to share in a few weeks!

The first 3 performances had added stress because it was the first time the troupe performed (demoed) a "zeffa" wedding processional (more on what a "zeffa" is in a future post).  A lot of fun, but also a lot of prep work with extra props and making sure we would have a faux bride and groom at each performance.  I'm glad we had a new member and her friend who were willing sports about it!  I busted out my shamadan (a candelabra you wear on your head) for its first viewing also -- let me say that real candles are much lighter than having 18 AA batteries on your head! I am super excited for the time when we are asked to perform a zeffa at a real wedding reception, it will definitely make for a unique event!

Saturday was also my last class for a month or so.  The last two years I've held classes all through the weeks of summer.  This year though, I'm taking a break.  In part because I need to find new studio space and also in part due to visiting family from both sides starting to arrive in the next couple of weeks.  It will be fun but I'll miss my students (the ones I know and the ones I've yet to meet).  But I'll come back refreshed in the fall; ready for new classes, new locations, and getting danced off my feet in September by our guest workshop instructor Morocco!

Welcome and Hello

So, welcome and hello (and for those in the Arabic dance world, "ahlan wa sahlan")!  I hope you enjoy your visit to these pages.

Kalirah Arts was founded in 2012 to allow me to take the next step as an artist.  It is a diverse business covering performance art (primarily "bellydance" classes and event entertainment), fine art (line art drawings and occasional paintings), photographic art (you guessed it!), and the occasional costuming design project.  While this will probably never be a full-time occupation, it does provide a sense of joy to be able to provide these services to the community of Juneau and elsewhere. 

The primary reason I decided to start a blog is to help students and clients (potential, current, and former) keep apprised of current offerings and events.  Specifically for Kalirah Arts, as I venture into the world of a small business owner, but also for other local events and organizations of interest as they come to my attention.  Many postings may be similar to those posted elsewhere (e-mail notifications, Facebook, and the website--once it becomes active at least), so pick your favorite method of communication or be prepared for duplicate info! 

This blog will otherwise discuss a great deal on bellydance-related topics.  And there are some fabulous, thoughtful, and studious bloggers out there, so fair warning that in addition to my own postings I'll be posting links and responses to blogs as their writings move me. 

Thank you ("shukran") for your patronage!
 ~ Kalirah