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!