Najlas Blog

What Moves You?

Wowza! We are halfway through the year already! Crazy huh? How has your year been so far? What has been happening in your world and what have you been up to? This year has been all about moving and inspiration for me and digging deep in myself!

My year has been filled with more journaling, writing and listening to my body! Quiet walks in the woods or around the neighborhood, reading which is something new to me! I have read 3 books so far and about to finish up the fourth. These are not novels but, how to become a better, fuller person living life! Listening to podcast, meditations, music it is all so good! The beauty of this glorious world, the smells, the touch and the sight! It is all so truly wonderful! The feeding of my body, that gives me nourishment and strength and we can not forgot moving our body! Allowing my body to move and flow while listening to music or even just the music in my head! All of these things move me!

It can also be the simplest things and we have to keep our eyes wide and open. It can be a gentle touch or a word or a sound. The feel of clean sheets on the bed or the cuddle of your furry pet! The laugh of a child or the tears of a friend!

It is connecting with our emotion, with our desire and our dreams allowing it to evolve, shift and unfold! Even when I am driving sometimes a thought will pop up of the past that moves me and will either bring a smile across my face or a tear drop down my cheek.

It is connecting with my students and other dancers they all move me and fills me with love and excitement and genuine pure joy! Sharing the love and the passion and having that connection! It is all so good and wonderful!

What moves you and how do you move each and everyday? I would love to hear from you!

Allies Blog, Najlas Blog

The Dance of Life

Dance. The Dance of Life. Do you live life? Do you show up each and every day? Do you live full on? As I just came up on the 1 year mark of my moms death and just a few days before learning about the death of my good friend passing and my web guy Daniel Latrimurti just a few days before. I have learned to live life. How do I live life? I celebrate and move with intention. I show up for myself each and every day. As I was at the studio I grabbed my journal and just started writing; letting the words and thoughts from my mind flow out from the pen to paper. I wanted to share this with you. I would also love your comments!

The Dance of Life

The ebb and flow of movement through life experiences intertwining with one another.

In life we start out with the beat of our own heart; this is the rhythm of life. This rhythm is a part of us with each and every beat.

In our dance we hear the sound of the drum that gives us that definite beat we can feel as we move our bodies coming together with the beat of our heart.

Through life we twirl, sway, step with our feet, move our hips in the wondrous circling pattern; no beginning and no ending.

Celebrating life with music and dance; laughing, weeping and crying. Life and dance carries us through every emotion.

We dance to share, connect and love; not only with ourselves but others. The dance is ours; no one else can take it away from us as we move through the shadows, valleys and hopes and dreams of our life.

Through disappointment, heartache and grief we dance connecting to that unknown.

Allies Blog, Uncategorized

Creating Boundaries

Welcome to my Blog! It has been awhile since I have written anything and it truly has been heavy on my heart! I will blog at least once a month, sometimes more depending on content and what is truly on my mind!

My word for the year: Boundaries! This is the first year I have actually chosen a word for myself. Do you have a word? The word boundaries has so much depth and so many levels! Let”s take a look at the definition of boundaries:

Boundaries is a line that is imaginary. It is a separation. It separates your physical space, needs, your feelings as well as the responsibility you have toward others. Having boundaries are how other people treat you: meaning what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Boundaries are needed because without these imaginary lines people will take advantage of you.

Boundaries & You

Here are what boundaries will do for you:

  • Being your true self! You have the right to have your own feelings and making your own decisions without trying to please others.
  • Self Care at it’s finest! This has been a tough one for me and is a struggle but I am getting better! Respecting your own needs and knowing ( ok this is what is tough) you are not responsible for the people in your life how they behave or feel! Listen to this! They are responsible! When you have boundaries you allow yourself to stop worrying about how others feel and makes them responsible! This is huge! Do you feel you have to many irons in the fire? Do you take on too much? Saying no is tough! Say no to those things that do not align up with what you want! This is going to be a constant with me! How about you? Do you say yes, just please others?
  • Being Real! having real expectations! We need to know what is expected. This takes communication! Telling people what you expect
  • Feeling safe! Creating boundaries makes us feel safe and secure. It keeps us from things that maybe uncomfortable or hurtful.
  • .

What is holding you back?

  • Fear! The fear of doing something different or new! Here are questions to ask: What are you afraid of? The thing your afraid of is it likely to happen? What will happen if you do not set boundaries? What will happen if you do? Fear is something that we all have! Trust me I know! Sometimes it takes me awhile to get over the fear, but asking these questions helps me see if I am in a situation I need to get out of or just stuck in a rut.
  • low self love. Feeling unloved or unworthy. I have been there we all have at some point. Not knowing your worth you will always put others before you. It is not selfish to put your needs before others! This is how we earn and get respect! Take care of your needs first and foremost! As women, this is tough because we care for so many people that our needs get lost. Make you a priority! Do something you have always wanted to do! Take that dance class, take that walk, have a girls night!
  • pleasing others Yes, this has been me! Trying to please everyone and hating conflict. This is why I need boundaries! You can not please everyone!

Boundaries are about what feels right and what does not feel right! The other day Paulette Rees-Denis sent this to me and I wanted to share her to end:

“Boundaries are physical, but most importantly energetic. They are a commitment to honoring yourself. Do not allow within your energetic space what doesn’t feel right, loving or aligned.” Sophie Gregore

Boundaries are: self love, protection, are divine birthright, honor, worthiness, strength, compassion, empowerment, balance, accountability,abundance. Wow love these words! Don’t you?

I would love to hear from you! You can comment and lets talk!

Allies Blog

Costuming Gypsy Caravan Style

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COSTUMING GYPSY CARAVAN STYLE

One of the many questions that often gets asked; once a student has been dancing with me for awhile is what costuming pieces do I need?  This is a great question!  There is so much out there and it is all beautiful and it is so hard to not want it all!  There are definite key components that are needed and are consider basic parts of a costume.

This is geared toward Gypsy Caravan Style which Paulette Rees-Denis the founder of GC released for our Caravan Project Troupes.  Consistency and looking similar is the key we are a tribe.

                                            

Basic Tribal Components:  

  • 25-32 Yard Tribal Skirt ( solid Color only)
  • Pantaloons, Harem Pants or Belly Dance Pants
  • Choli (Black)
  • Lace up vest ( any color to coordinate your skirt)
  • Hip Wrap (Nothing with coins)
  • Tribal Tassel Belt ( short tassels nothing long)
  • Body Stocking Black (only if you do not want a bare belly)
  • Mix of Flowers ( need at least 5)
  • Jewelry Bling (Ethnic, natural, silver, sterling)

 

Tribal Vendors:

http://www.magicalfashions.com/  (Skirts, Lace Up choli, Belts)

http://www.bellydance.com/  (Lace up , Hip Choli,Wraps)

http://www.moondancebellydance.com/  (Tribal Belts Mirrored, Hip Wraps. Velvet Choli’s)

http://www.tribenawaar.com/marketplace/Cholis.html

  (Black Choli’s, 32 yard skirts these skirts are called cupcake skirts and are amazing!  I have a white one)

http://www.flyingskirts.com/ (skirts, Choli’s)

 

 

 

 

 

Allies Blog, Najlas Blog

Gypsy Caravan Love

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GYPSY CARAVAN LOVE


I absolutely fell in love with GC style belly dance upon my first workshop and meeting Paulette Rees- Denis!  Why do I love it so much?  First, I love the freedom that I feel when I move.  I love the earthiness of the movement the connection of the earth under my feet as I move, dance and sway.  The awareness it takes of the whole group because it is usually done improv by leading and following you really get to know your dance sisters and how they move.  It creates a sisterhood among the dancers  the bonding between the dancers is downright amazing and electrifying!  You can feel it move and flow from one dancer to another.   I love the spontaneity and the spiritual aspect all while interacting with the other dancers and creating such spontaneity and being part of a pack.  

The costuming is filled with rich textiles that are rich and deep with big skirts and chunky jewelry, the more the better!  Enduring the hair with flowers, metals, clips it is a true spiritual thing for me when I am getting ready for a performance it is truly quite calming and relaxing.  

I love the rich and earthy music feeling the beat through my whole body and core and being in sync with the drum rhythm, that at times is in sync with my heart and soul.  Being one with the music, myself and my tribe!  I love my tribe, I love my community!   I love how it takes me away to a far off place where dreams, passions and desires come true with every beat, every step, every movement I take.  It ignites my fire, my passion and fills my heart with love and respect of those I dance with.  It is a life style, a part of me and who I am and                                                          who I have become!  Love that Gypsy Caravan Love!