All posts by Tracey Vibert

About Tracey Vibert

Creativity abounds and balance is sought in both hermitting and peopling.

Happy Spring Equinox!

Finally, I am almost feeling it.

I don’t want to get my hopes up that winter is gone – I know it’s not!  But I can feel the lightness in the air with the time shift and I like it!

LIfe has been bringing me new fun and challenges this year, and while it has taken me some time to get into a groove in the new year, I am starting to hit my stride.

2011 has been bringing in the new!

New dancer in our Bollywood For Fun Group! and that means new routines, new ideas and loads of fun! You can come see on April 2!

New business opportunity with Luxe Bridal – Madeleine and Lisa are such lovely ladies and are very enthusiastic about what they do, and I am so pleased to be working with them as their “Alterations Specialist”.  I AM STILL CREATING ORIGINAL DESIGNS – so be sure to still come see me!  But it’s fun to play with others and find new inspiration working on the ready made dresses!

And new moment to share my perspective! Susan Murphy graciously interviewed me for an article on Thought Wrestling.com’s blog series focused on creativity – how cool is that!

And it’s only March!

So I am really looking forward to a year of of a good amount of the familiar to keep me stable, and just enough of the new to keep me curious!

Happy International Women’s Day/Mardi Gras!

I was out for my #morningwalk and as I passed a particularly New Orleans themed restaurant in the Byward Market, I was amazed that music was blaring out into the streets – at 7 a.m.  hmmm. I guess today is Mardi Gras.

Two of my Bollywood For Fun buddies are performing tonight at Shattered Ceilings at the Mayfair.  Because today is International Women’s Day.

Vegan pancake recipe - just 'Cause

So here we are, in a crazy messed up city of snow and ice, with a sect of folks being encouraged to spend the day indulging in a mass of pancakes and other excesses, as they prepare to give it all up for the next 40 days , until they then again indulge in a mass of chocolate or whatever to bring about their major religious holiday that will take place in April.

Painted Ladies photo by california cowgirl1

And there is the notorious concept that in a particular city down south of us, there are potentially thousands of young women making the choice to expose themselves in exchange for strands of plastic beads. I can only imagine the chaos, having only heard about this from my second belly dance teacher many years back, when she actually experienced it first hand and shipped the beads back to make her own very special “mardi gras” costume…

The juxtaposition of this against the posters I have seen all over for the “I’m not a feminist, but…” films at the National Archives tonight, along with the event my colleagues are performing at, gives me pause.

Are we better off for the opportunities we have, as women and people in general, to both indulge our own excessive behaviours at the same time raising awareness of the numbers of women around the world who would be horribly treated or even killed if they chose to flash someone in public exchange for a bit of pretties?

Or are we really a very messed up society that is still trying to find it’s way beyond religious influence, beyond defining ourselves by extreme behaviours,  or even find a way to redefine extreme behaviours as “normal”, and then what kettle of fish does that open?  Who keeps fish in a kettle anyway?

Whadda you think?

Busy Belly dance weekend ahead!

Here’s what I get to be a part of on Friday:

CLICK HERE FOR MAIN WEB INFO!

The Dark Urban Cabaret

Friday, February 25 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
The Arts Court Theatre

2 Daly St.Ottawa, ON
Doors open at 7pm
Show starts at 8pm
Tickets are $25 in advance
$30  at the door/ after Feb. 14
email leslie AT shaktifusion DOT ca to order yours.

With whom am I sharing the stage ?  These phenomenal acts!
Ariellah Beatbox Guitar Luna Kuarta    Rosanna McGuire

And some amazing local dancers:
Zamira
Leslie & Shakti fusion

...AND SO MANY MORE AMAZING PERFORMERS!! Click on the image to find out more! There is also some amazing workshops happening, but I’ll be otherwise occupied…

On Saturday morning, I start my Level 1 sewing class – not so much belly dance – but I do have a private gig that night too…

And SUNDAY MORNING, I go and set up for the:


If you have ever wondered what the heck is up with Ottawa’s Belly Dance community, come on out! You gotta be there to see it – door prizes every hour, great socializing with old friends and new, and shopping! Go here for some tips to help you enjoy your afternoon!

 

And sooo, I’ll be spending the next few days, preparing for it all – if you don’t hear from me, don’t worry – I am just buried under a pile of sequins,coins and more- having fun for sure!

 

The Next Dancer’s Bazaar – February 27, 2011

Already coming up so soon!

Another Sunday afternoon of shopping – more than just belly dance costumes, hip scarves, beaded pieces, baladi dresses, bedlah sets – there’s jewelry, artisan pieces, an event oozing in creativity!

You gotta be there to see it – door prizes every hour, great socializing with old friends and new, and shopping!

So if you have never attended one of TAV Creations/ Belly Dancing For Fun Dancers’ Bazaars before – go here for some tips to help you enjoy your afternoon!

If you are on Facebook – go here and spread the love!

And otherwise – tell us what you want – take the poll and let the vendors know what you are hoping to find at this Dancers’ Bazaar!

[polldaddy poll=4538180]

 

Fire and Flux – Winterlude 2011

Click on the photo to see more pics and some video clips!

 

Keeping warm!, originally uploaded by Halyma.

Fire and Flux- what a fun installation!
Artist Christine Irving and her crew have created an amazing adventure to be enjoyed behind the Museum of Civilization during this opening weekend of the National Capital Winterlude Celebrations!

I was honoured to volunteer for a few of the many hours put into set-up and was part of last night’s safety crew while folks lined up to dance, swing and sway on the platform so that they could “make fire!”

Thanks to Leslie for having let me know about this opportunity, and while I am fully booked for the rest of the weekend, I hope you get a chance to go see it today or tomorrow – during the day it will be just as spectacular!

Click through to see some fun video of both it in action and the fabulous fireworks from last night’s opening ceremonies! Great job to all involved!
Love living in Ottawa!

Morning walk got me thinking…

… It wasn’t a full on hour walk, but it was more than I’ve managed during the cold spell we’ve had.  Yay for -13 celcius!

Anyhoo, I got to thinking, as I always do during my morning walks- or any walks for that matter, about the upcoming Dancers’ Bazaar and  what I have to prepare for it.

One thing with running TAV Creations, which is mainly custom sewing & design, I really like doing what folks need/want/request etc. It means that my work has a purpose. I get to create something that someone has envisioned in their own head but are not in a position to make themselves.

Some beadwork done at the hands of TAV Creations

Or I get to design something for them, using that special piece of fabric they were given, bought on a trip, or  for any other reason, and that fabric has brought them joy and can now be put to practical use and bring them more joy.

This process works with both my bridal work and my costume work.  And even alterations can be fun when it’s with something pretty and sparkly!

I have tried over the past decade+ of  Dancers’ Bazaars to have items that are basic and simple, so that they can complement existing bedleh sets, add that final piece to an outfit, or be the base that the whole ensemble is built upon at a later date. This burgundy one started out that way, and then found it’s owner and we finished it off!

made a few years back, but you get the idea

 

 

 

I have found that pre-making a complete set, including beadwork etc. has worked on occasion, but I often don’t have the time to produce a fully decorated set with all of my regular client work, classes etc.

So what journey will I go one for this coming Bazaar?  I have some ideas – that I will share when I actually start to implement them, with full on photos of the work in progress etc.!

In the meantime, tell me something: What are you looking for in costuming these days?  What’s your belly dance costuming need for the upcoming season of shows that will start in now time?  Leave me a comment below and soon I’ll get a new poll up for you to take too 🙂

Meanwhile – happy dancing!

T/H

Dancers’ News -Update-2011-01-23

Head on over to see more Events, Classes Teacher Directory, Shopping Opportunities, and Healing, Guides and Energy workers, Pampering sections!

Hey all –

I know it’s been a while since I’ve used the blog to create an update for the Dancers’ News – but something is amiss with the newsletter this morning – so here’s the latest for those who follow me on both!


DANCERS’ NEWSLETTER – UPDATE EDITION

 

WINTER CLASSES

There are still other classes listed on the website- these ones start this week or later!

Winter Classes with Eurika

Ottawa School Board Community Program – February 2 – March 30, 2011

Time: Wednesday evenings 7:30-8:30pm (Beginner)

Location: Brookfield High School (824 Brookfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario)

Register #45891 Price: $67 for 8 weeks (Registration deadline: January 27, 2011)

Description: Learn posture, fluidity of movement and expressive arms through fingertip coordination to the music of the Middle East in a fun and friendly environment.

 

Ville de Gatineau – 24 Janvier 2011 – 29 Mars 2011

Lundi: 6:30-7:30pm et 7:40-8:40pm (Debutant 1 chaque heure)

Mardi: 7:00-8:00pm (Debutant 2)

Mardi: 8:00-9:00pm (Intermediare)

Location: 25, rue Laurier – Gatineau, Quebec (chambre – Pallestre)

Inscription par internet: https://paiement.ville.gatineau.qc.ca/ludik/ludik%20internet.htm

 

 

Jalilah

NEW Starting February 1- March 8

Beginner Belly Dance with Jalilah at:

at Planet Dance, 3059 Carling Avenue

Tuesday  Evenings from 8:30- 9:30 Price $60 and

March 29-May 30 $100

To register contact Jalilah (613)2288215 jalilah@rogers.com

 

 

Beginner Bellydance with Nikita

Monday Nights 6:30-7:30
Plant Recreation Centre
Starting January24th
Register @ www.ottawa.ca or in person @ Plant RC

 

Belly Dancing with Amara in Trenton and Belleville

Beginner class

Belly dancing is a fun way to exercise and learn how to isolate body movements. Far East music, veils, zills are all part of the art of belly dancing.
Intermediate class

Must have taken the beginner class.You will be working on dance routines and may have the opportunity to perform in the community.
A beginner class to learn Belly Dancing will be starting along with an Intermediate class for those wanting to continue on with dancing. The classes will run 8 weeks.
========================

Trenton Classes:

Beginners classes:
$50.00
Tuesdays, starting Feb 1 – Mar 22
9:00am – 10:30am or
7:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Cindy Vieau
Military Family Resource Centre (Siskin Centre)
50 Rivers Drive East
Bldg 339 (behind Tim Horton’s)
8 Wing/CFB Trenton
Trenton, Ontario

Intermediate Classes:
$50.00
Mondays, starting Jan 31 – Mar 21
7:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Cindy Vieau
Military Family Resource Centre (Siskin Centre)
50 Rivers Drive East
Bldg 339 (behind Tim Horton’s)
8 Wing/CFB Trenton
Trenton, Ontario

To register contact Cindy at cavieau@cogeco.ca or the MFRC at 613-392-2811-2382.

========================

Belleville Classes:

Beginners classes:
Course code 4372
$96.90
Wednesdays, starting Jan 26th – Mar 16
7:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Cindy Vieau
Queen Victoria Public School

Intermediate Classes:
Course code 4378
$96.90
Thursdays, starting Jan 27-Mar 17
7:00pm-8:30pm
Instructor: Cindy Vieau
Queen Victoria Public School

The link to the Loyalist page where you can sign up and pay for the courses is below:

https://www.loyalistbanner.com/PROD/cewkcrss.P_CrseDetails?subj_code=GNRL_numb=9568&sess_code=O

 

Fun with the Doumbek Workshops

 

A series of Introductory level and Beyond Beginner Refresher  classes starting on February 5, 2011

 

Each 2-hour workshop is limited to 5 participants for maximum individual attention.

 

Introductory Level 1

Basics for the first-time, absolute beginner. Drums will be provided.

Saturday, February 5, 1:30 – 3:30 pm

 

Beyond Beginner Refresher 1

Aimed at the drummer who has taken one or several courses in the past, has a grasp of basic techniques &  rhythms but who feels rusty, out of practice & in need of “a kick in the pants” to jump ahead. Drums available for in-class use.

Saturday, February 12, 1:30 – 3:30 pm

 

A continuing Level 2 for both workshops may be offered upon request.

 

Cost: $40  Location:  Beechwood Village area (Lindenlea)

Registration & information:  Rosemary  zahra_haddad@hotmail.com    613-298-0788

 

~Drums available for in-class use~

~ some rentals to take home~

~a selection of new drums for sale~

 

 

 

2011 Events

 

February 12, 2011
Evening of Music, Dance and Friendship at ECCAO’s 26th Annual Gala.

Time: 5:30 PM – Dinner buffet will open at 6:00 PM
Place: Ballroom 118 of the Hampton Inn Conference Centre.
100 Coventry Road, Ottawa

At this year’s gala, ECCAO is very pleased to recognize Denise and Ahmed Enan for their life time contribution to spreading the Egyptian folklore dancing and culture in our region and beyond.
In addition to a great Buffet dinner, you will be entertained by the talented Enan Dance Troupe, gifted musicians playing your favorite tunes, a Comedian and wonderful DJ dance music.
Please visit www.eccao.com more information on the program and menu.
Tickets at $80 are only available on the internet at www.eccao.com . Seating arrangements will be based on priority reservation and payment, so buy your tickets early.
Ticket sales will be open at 7:00 PM on January 5, 2011.  Please carefully review the instruction and do not forget to print and bring the receipt with you. This is your proof of purchase and seating.

ECCAO members will be given a discount in the form of a free soft drink for each member ticket purchased – ask for your drink ticket at the door.
We look forward to seeing you at the Gala.
ECCAO Board
Website: http://www.eccao.com?Twitter : http://twitter.com/eccao
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15688681899

 

February 25-27, 2011
Ariellah in Ottawa – Intensive Tribal Fusion Workshop!

 

The Dark Urban Cabaret with Ariellah & Beatbox Guitar!

WEBSITE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120387094698216
Friday, February 25 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
The Arts Court Theatre

2 Daly St.Ottawa, ON
Winter in the city is a cold and dark time, and this year for our annual dark fusion bellydance show, we’re thrilled to have special guest and dark tribal fusionist Ariellah!
We’ve also got urban fusionist Beatbox Guitar, featuring the musical stylings of Pete List and Rob Mastrianni! With special guest artists Luna Kuarta, The Serpentina North Ensemble, Rosanna McGuire, and Nadia, along with featured Ottawa dancers Oksana, Zamira, Halyma, Pia and Leslie & Shakti fusion, the evening will be sure to bring many dark, urban glam, and theatrical delights fit to chase away the winter spirits!
Doors open at 7pm

Show starts at 8pm
Tickets are $25 in advance
$30 after February 14th
Get your ticket now, they are already selling fast and the event is limited capacity! email leslie AT shaktifusion DOT ca to order yours.

About the Artists:
Ariellah:Ariellah is an international modern, belly dance performer and instructor. She has an extensive dance background that includes strict classical ballet training for 12 years with the Royal Academy of Dance from London. She has studied and performed belly dance for the past nine years. She began her training with Janine Ryle of Danse Mahgreb and as a founding member of The Indigo with Rachel Brice. Most recently Ariellah began training in classical Indian Odissi dance, studying in India at the Shakti School of Dance. Her style infuses many genres of dance, all with a modern dark flavour that is uniquely her own. She is featured on the first of its kind “Gothic BellyDance” DVD and has also released her first instructional DVD. www.ariellah.com

Beatbox Guitar:The Brooklyn based duo, Beatbox Guitar create an innovative mix offlamenco, psychedelic rock, hip hop and punk. Human beatboxer,Pete List’s effortless flow of beat and breath on the mic showcasesRob Mastrianni’s intricate guitar and electric sitar stylings.www.beatboxguitar.com

Luna Kuarta:Luna Kuarta is a dark tribal fusion troupe that has been evolving in Montreal for 3 years. Its members are creative in a most gloomy and strange way, exploring tribal fusion from a non-traditional perspective. Sometimes theatrical, sometimes ritual, sometime circus-like, but always in a true passionate, unusual and charismatic fashion.
The Serpentina North Ensemble:

Rosanna McGuire:An engaging perfomer recognized for her unique 1920?s vintage jazz-bellydance fusions and modern urban belly-hip-hop fusions, Rosanna has taught and performed in both Toronto and San Francisco.www.cleoflaptra.com
Oksana
Nadia
Pia
Zamira
Halyma
Leslie & Shakti fusion
This show is a part of our WEEKEND INTENSIVE with Ariellah! Info on workshops can be found here:

February 25-27, 2011
Ariellah in Ottawa – Intensive Tribal Fusion Workshop!

Shakti fusion is thrilled to be bringing the exceptional Ariellah to Ottawa/Gatineau for a two day intensive workshop and show, including 8 hours of instruction in creative and theatrical tribal fusion and darkly inspired bellydance.

WEBSITE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=181426551883869

Ariellah is an international modern, belly dance performer and instructor. She has an extensive dance background that includes strict classical ballet training for 12 years with the Royal Academy of Dance from London. She has studied and performed belly dance for the past nine years. She began her training with Janine Ryle of Danse Mahgreb and as a founding member of The Indigo with Rachel Brice. Most recently Ariellah began training in classical Indian Odissi dance, studying in India at the Shakti School of Dance. Her style infuses many genres of dance, all with a modern dark flavour that is uniquely her own. She is featured on the first of its kind “Gothic BellyDance” DVD and has also released her first instructional DVD. www.ariellah.com

Ariellah will be teaching four topics over two days, including aspects of technique for tribal fusion, conditioning, combinations/choreography, with special attention to theatrical performance and darkly inspired dance. More details to follow, or email Leslie for specific details on workshop topics.

About the workshops:
Saturday (Tribal Fusion focus): 12PM-4PM
AT THE HEART OF IT ALL…At the heart of it all is convergence of dance, technique, flexibility, strength, mind, spirit and art. Train your mind with technique, train your heart to dance and all else will fall in place. In this dance training course emphasis will be placed on the combination of not only technique but an equal counterpart of dance expression. Creative processes and internal work written and oral will also be discussed. The workshop will include an intensive technique and body conditioning section. This mini intensive course is designed to give the dancer the encouragement and tools necessary to take home and incorporate into his or her own practice in order to reach the next level, the next challenge.

Sunday (Dark and Theatrical Fusion focus):10AM-2PMLearn Ariellah’s unique style of belly dance by working with her on dark fusion belly dance combinations and choreography. The workshop includes a yoga infused warm up and repetitive drilling of dark fusion infused belly dance combinations. Students will possibly learn a short choreography that infuses the combinations learned in the workshop.

EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION:
$175 for both days until February 14th, 2011 $95 for single day
$200 after February 14th, 2011 $110 for single day

Workshops take place at CEGEP de l’Outaouais: 333 Boulevard de la Cité des Jeunes, Hull, Québec, Canada
SHOW INFORMATION:See above posting

TO REGISTER AND FOR SHOW TICKETS:email leslie AT shaktifusion DOT ca
As Ariellah is an in demand instructor throughout the world, we are fortunate to have her for these dates! There is a strong possibility this event will sell out very quickly. Don’t miss out!

 

 

February 27, 2011
TAV Creations and Halyma’s Belly Dance present
Ottawa’s Dancers’ Bazaar

Doors open noon to 4 p.m.
260 McArthur, Knight’s of Columbus Hall
The usual!
Save your pennies!
Info: tracey@tav-creations.com

http://www.tav-creations.com/bazaar

 

NOT QUITE BELLY DANCE EVENTS:

 

 

Sewing with Tracey

Routhier Community Centre, 172 Guigues 613-244-4470

 

LEVEL 1

Learn how to hem your own pants, sew on your own buttons and the very basics of sewing! This course is based on hand work, with the option to bring in your sewing machine for the second class.

Needles, thread and muslin are provided. Students may choose bring in their own projects to work on during the final class.

Saturday mornings- 10 a.m. to noon: February 26, March 5, 12, 2011 *

Res $50
NR $62.50
Sen: $45
* dates have been shifted slightly from what is indicated in the Recreation Guide.

 

NEW CLASS – online but not listed in the city’s recreation guide :
LEVEL 2

Learn how to alter your clothes to fit, install a basic zipper and general repairs. This course is based on a combination of hand and sewing machine work. Some work with basic store bought patterns will be covered as well.

Muslin will be provided and a basic zipper. Students may choose to bring in their own projects to work on. An information sheet will be provided upon registration or via email.

Saturday mornings- 10 a.m. to noon: January 29, February 5, 12, 2011

Res $50
NR $62.50
Sen: $45

 

 

Free Meditation Practice Group

Mondays
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Maki House, 19 Leeming Drive (between Bayshore and Kanata)

For info contact Julie: 613-254-8469 or julieDOTtierneyAtsympatico.ca

 

 

 

What a beautiful Winter day…

Today I was able to enjoy an early lunch with the Friday Office gang and a girlfriend whose schedule now allows her to do more stuff during the day.

It was very interesting listening to her talk about her life and what she’s doing these days – we have haven’t hung out together much in smaller settings for a while, so it was nice to be able to chat.

It reminded me that for my whole life, I have liked rotating through friends – that sounds weird I am sure, but I have always liked to have a diverse selection of folk to spend time with and alternate my social scene when I can.  It makes me appreciate them all more.

And it was nice to listen to the conversations – some silly, some intense and that’s the very nature of FridayOffice that @wtl loves so much.

Honestly, I can only take it in small doses, and today was just right! Another reminder of who I am – I like spending time with girls. I like boys too, but I like them for short periods of time – like today.  And the men I know are amazing men – no worries there – no brutes amongst them! But spending time with boys means I have to get out of my head and open myself up to new conversations.

Sigh.

That’s a good thing, I know, but I am a selfish girl and like to talk about things I am interested in.  I like to talk about things I know about.  And challenging myself comes at a price to my ego – I may be wrong about something and have to change my views – GAH!  Or merely think more than I feel like at that particular moment.. again, GAH!

Again, just a bit more insight into me! Perhaps more than you need to know – but if you know me already – this isn’t that big on the news front!

So, after a lovely lunch, my girlfriend and I walked out into the beautiful sunshine and parted ways a few blocks later.  I continued on home in the sunshine thinking.. What a beautiful day…

 

Hope you have had a great day too! it’s not over yet!