Got a sneaky peak at the footage from the Reading show and it looks really good! There are still things I know I can improve on- always is- but I feel very motivated and can't wait until the next event. So presently it's practise, practise, practise every day on Company pieces, solo dances and new choreographies I'm working on.
Also, I'm working particulary hard on my drumming. Hossam has given me a few things to work on and develop and at first, it's very slow and steady with a few 'colourful' words thrown in for good measure when things don't quite go to plan! Still, there's no way around steady, constant and regular practise, even if it starts to become the most monotonous mind numbing exercise! I'm always trying to run before I can walk with the tabla and now I've seen and heard the riq played live, ('awesome' is the word), I want to learn that as well!!!
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Meet The Gang!
Above is a photo of the Ramzy Dance Company as taken back stage at the Reading Show on the 15th. From left to right is Cherie, Rachel, Sabryna, Serena, Hossam, Helen, Lianna and me! I was persuaded to wear super long lashes for the event in case you were wondering what's up with my eyes? Still not 100% convinced they suit me but they make a bigger impact when on stage. We're dressed in red for our final dance, mustering up our last scraps of energy for the grand finale!
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Ramzy TV
I've never been tempted to put out videos of myself dancing and join the youtube generation. However, last week fellow company dancer Helen decided it was about time we (the Ramzy Dance Company) had our own youtube channel.
First uploads include our performances at the recent Derby show. Ironically, at the time none of us were particularly happy about our performances but they actually don't look at all bad. All I can say is the music is a bit out of sync with the dancing (honest!!!) Helen is still working on correcting this so if you fancy taking a peek, please bare that in mind!
First uploads include our performances at the recent Derby show. Ironically, at the time none of us were particularly happy about our performances but they actually don't look at all bad. All I can say is the music is a bit out of sync with the dancing (honest!!!) Helen is still working on correcting this so if you fancy taking a peek, please bare that in mind!
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Lumps For Legs!
I don't have legs today- just two leg shaped lumps of concrete! After months of preparation and practise, the Reading showed proved to be a big hit with everyone working really hard and playing their part brilliantly.
The weekend started with another fantastic workshop with Hossam and Serena to 'The Black Pearl' from the 'Ruby' album- one of my favourite tracks and choreographies but one you can't approach half heartedly. Not surprisingly, by the end of the afternoon my energy levels were already running low. On one hand that meant less energy to waste feeling nervous about performing! Luckily, I'd spent the night before at Rachel's house and had a handy pillow to rest up for just a few minutes-made a big difference just to stretch out and rest my back and eyes.
Later, the girls excitedly prepared for the first choreography. We've become a tight team and kept proceedings lighthearted but, at the same time, focused. As always, before we knew it the bedouin tribal was over and we we're racing to complete the change for the second dance in a super fast 4 mins! (we made sure to practise the changeover before hand!!)
I was quite nervous about dancing to the live band but Hossam and Serena had some encouraging words for us all and as soon as the music started, the nerves went and I loved every second! The band were just superb and if you ever get the chance, you should come and hear them play live. It was a unique experience and I now understand why dancers rave about dancing to live music-really is the best! There are always elements of my own dancing to self critique and last night was no exception, but I can't knock such a fantastic experience and hope it won't be my last.
It was lovely, as ever, to look out and see lots of smiling and familiar faces. I've said it before and it may seem obvious, but without an appreciative audience the whole affair is flat and feels pointless. It was particularly brilliant to see my students in the audience-they drove a long way the see the show and I can't wait for class to see what they thought? I'm sure they enjoyed the show as a rare treat on the belly dance scene: the best live Egyptian music, dancing and dancers who can also drum!
The weekend started with another fantastic workshop with Hossam and Serena to 'The Black Pearl' from the 'Ruby' album- one of my favourite tracks and choreographies but one you can't approach half heartedly. Not surprisingly, by the end of the afternoon my energy levels were already running low. On one hand that meant less energy to waste feeling nervous about performing! Luckily, I'd spent the night before at Rachel's house and had a handy pillow to rest up for just a few minutes-made a big difference just to stretch out and rest my back and eyes.
Later, the girls excitedly prepared for the first choreography. We've become a tight team and kept proceedings lighthearted but, at the same time, focused. As always, before we knew it the bedouin tribal was over and we we're racing to complete the change for the second dance in a super fast 4 mins! (we made sure to practise the changeover before hand!!)
I was quite nervous about dancing to the live band but Hossam and Serena had some encouraging words for us all and as soon as the music started, the nerves went and I loved every second! The band were just superb and if you ever get the chance, you should come and hear them play live. It was a unique experience and I now understand why dancers rave about dancing to live music-really is the best! There are always elements of my own dancing to self critique and last night was no exception, but I can't knock such a fantastic experience and hope it won't be my last.
It was lovely, as ever, to look out and see lots of smiling and familiar faces. I've said it before and it may seem obvious, but without an appreciative audience the whole affair is flat and feels pointless. It was particularly brilliant to see my students in the audience-they drove a long way the see the show and I can't wait for class to see what they thought? I'm sure they enjoyed the show as a rare treat on the belly dance scene: the best live Egyptian music, dancing and dancers who can also drum!
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Derby Show
Just back from a performing at a very cool show in Derby, organised by Diana Mahira- a really lovely lady who very kindly allowed the Ramzy gang to crash at her house, snoring and all!! Helen, Rachel, Cherie and I all performed a solo each to a very friendly audience. We really enjoyed the show and appreciated the warm and smiling faces- absolutely made the many hours travel from East Sussex well worth it!
The icing on the cake was to perform a drumming piece with Hossam and Serena- our public debut as a drumming band and something we've been itching to show people for some time. We kept a steady beat on accompanying duffs and tabla while Hossam rocked the rhythms and Serena caught every 'dom', 'tak' and shimmy effortlessly. V V V V V V cool!!!!!! Should prove to be a great warm up for the Reading show with only 1 week to go. Just need to make final decision on solo costume then practise, practise, practise!!
The icing on the cake was to perform a drumming piece with Hossam and Serena- our public debut as a drumming band and something we've been itching to show people for some time. We kept a steady beat on accompanying duffs and tabla while Hossam rocked the rhythms and Serena caught every 'dom', 'tak' and shimmy effortlessly. V V V V V V cool!!!!!! Should prove to be a great warm up for the Reading show with only 1 week to go. Just need to make final decision on solo costume then practise, practise, practise!!
Monday, 3 May 2010
Reading-nearly there!!
Just completed a tiring but productive weekend of practise with the Ramzy Dance Company. We're really gearing up for the Reading Concert as it will be our official debut as a dance company and less than 2 weeks away! It's going to be a knock out show- can't wait!!! Until then, some of us are heading up to Derby to perform some solo pieces next weekend. It's a real bonus for us to be able to perform just ahead of Reading. It's alot to sqeeze in, (with practises and preparations almost everyday) but I would have been mad to say no!
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