12 months in 12 sentences for 2012

This time last year I was inspired to write a post reviewing 2011 in just 12 sentences.  I like the format and wanted do it again.  So here's my write up of 12 in 12 for 2012.  Wishing you a Happy New Year and I hope that 2013 brings you lots of shimmy and sparkle. 

In January, I started learning Awareness Through Movement and was a busy bee planning for Baladi Blues.  

February was a successful sell out NADA and Habiba Dance event in Edinburgh with the Baladi Blues Ensemble, and I had a wonderful time teaching and dancing with the band.  

Baladi solo by James Campbell

Daughters of Isis by James Campbell

Baladi Blues Ensemble by James Campbell

 

March was a mixed bag of teaching taster classes and a chance to be in the audience for a change.

In April, I experienced another joyous JoY and treated myself to some goodies from the Farida Dance souk. 

In May, I got a little bit hooked on my new pair of zills.

June brought Big Dance and an unusual gig.   

In July, I went to train in Dusseldorf in my first ever trip to the annual Hilal Dance Week with Suraya Hilal and Alessandro Bascioni.

Hilal Dance Week

In August, I managed to fit in a day of dancing Baladi with live music, in between London's main events.  

Olympic Park

I had an uneventful September, although managed to fit in a Classical veil workshop with Juliana.  

In October my ballet teacher had us pretending to be snowflakes. 

In November, I performed once again at Edinburgh's longest running Egyptian Dance event.

My December included more Hilal Dance in London with Suraya; and looking forward to exciting things to come in 2013, including some more live music and promising performing opportunities. 

Big Dance Edinburgh and Bellydance Flashmob

I've had a fantastic dancey weekend.  I previously blogged about the Big Dance weekend of dance, in Edinburgh Saturday 30th June to Sunday 1st July, connected to the London 2012 festivities around the country.

After Saturday night's eventful gig, I felt spurred to head down to the National Museum of Scotland on Sunday to take part in the bellydance flashmob, organised by Elspeth Swishandhips, as part of Big Dance Edinburgh.  Months of careful and planning and organisation went into this and Elspeth even filmed and uploaded tutorials of all the choreography so that as many people as possible could take part. 

There were about 50 dancers, with Egyptian, ATS and Tribal Fusion styles all featuring.  With so many old and new faces, there was a fantastic buzz about the place and a huge crowd cheering us on - although I suspect not all of them were so unsuspecting.  Congratulations Elspeth, it was a fantastic event and thank you for all your hard work! And well done to all the dancers who took part!

Here we all are dancing in the Museum's spectacular surroundings (thanks to Norma for the photo): 

Big Dance events were taking place all over the city.  Here's my shot of Fife based ATS teacher Elaine giving a taster in the Museum, a bit later on:

And here's my shot of amazing double sword dancer Briar from Edinburgh troupe Twisted Tails under the shadow of Edinburgh castle.

At the end of the day, I even found myself chatting to someone in the crowd who felt inspired to start a new dance class.  Well how about that then for a successful way end to a weekend aimed at getting people dancing?

Here is Emma's video of the flashmob in all its glory:

Dancing to the tune of London 2012

The excitement of the London 2012 Olympics came to Edinburgh today, with the Olympic torch relay.  Here is Scottish ice dancer John Kerr whizzing by, flame in hand. 

Another part of the year of Olympic celebrations, coming to Edinburgh, is Big Dance 2012.  Thousands of events are taking place across the UK, involving all kinds of dance styles and community groups.  And anyone can join in.

The Edinburgh Big Dance event takes place over the weekend Saturday 30th of June and Sunday 1st July.  There's all sorts of different things going on across the city and here are my top picks.

Firstly, my Ballet class at Dance Base are performing the "Ballet of the Trams" at the Grassmarket stage on the Saturday at 2.50pm.  The whole thing is choreographed to the "Trolley Song" from Meet me in St Louis.  And for all sorts of reasons, this all age, all ability group of ballerinas and ballerinos is almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The second event is something very special indeed.  I can't say much more, but I do know that the event is being led by Elspeth SwishandHips and it is rumoured be taking place in central Edinburgh at lunchtime on Sunday 1st July.  I can't wait!

How are you celebrating the 2012 Olympics where you are?