I have started another fundraising campaign to raise the money that is needed to film my latest film project, 'Bellydance Unbound'. Please contribute if you can and help spread the word to those you know. Contributing $27 will be like pre-ordering the DVD/Blu-ray.
http://www.indiegogo.com/Bellydance-Unbound?a=268671&i=addr
http://www.indiegogo.com/Bellydance-Unbound?a=268671&i=addr
One year ago today, I gathered a select group of highly talented dark fusion bellydancers for lunch at Tuk Tuk Thai in Berkeley. The reason was to discuss an idea and vision I had and see what they thought of it and if they had any interest in helping me make this vision a reality. Much to my surprise, I found that they understood what this vision was and felt that it would be a marvelous undertaking to persue in making it an actuality.
First let me start by saying that dark fusion bellydancers tend to mostly create story and character and mood with their performances, nearly in a theatrical manner, as evidenced by the wonderful bellydance version of Nosferatu that was staged by Silent Sirens Theatre, with Frederique: The Lady Fred and Ariellah. The spark of this vision was during a photo session I had with Ariellah at the Chapel of Chimes in Oakland. Watching her move through the archways, around the pillars and up and down the stairs like a nymph or wandering spirit, carfree and full of life, but also with a sense of ominousness created the seed of an idea. Ariellah unexpectedly became the muse for this idea with the theatricality of dark fusion being the foundation.
This seed of an idea then settled in the back of my mind and slowly germinated and grew until one day it burst forth and said "Hello! Remember me? I think it's time you nurtured me and helped me grow." I knew then it was what I needed to do. I knew if I said, "Not yet. Later," I would forget about it and it would die. So, I took this idea and nurtured it, letting it grow until I felt I could take pieces of it and pass it on to the dancers I knew in the hopes that they to would see it's beauty and worth and nurture it as well. It did seem to take hold on most of those I passed it on to.
This idea, this vision was to have the dancers choreograph and perform a piece that would then be filmed as if I were shooting a narrative film. There would be no front of the stage they would be facing, there would be no walls that would limit the range of their movement. The locations that they would dance in were picked by them to help enhance the mood, the story of the performance. And much like in a film, the location was to create the world they would be and interact within.
Because of the creativity of the dancers and the fact that I do not want to present them with a piece that lacks in any aspect of our combined efforts and imaginings, the process of creating this has taken longer than expected. But as my cinematographer pointed out to me; You cannot rush creativity and the creative. Such endevours cannot always be governed by a calendar.
But in the year that has passed, we have seen a few wonderful dancers leave the project and another one join in. I hope to eventually get my cast back up to it's full capacity, but am waiting to make certain I have secured more funding before I ask those I am would love to join.
Alas, the problem we seem to be facing most is a problem that plagues most artistic endevours, which is funding. In the year that has passed, we have raised funds by selling t-shirts, running a couple Kickstarter campaigns, holding a performance event and have managed to raise $400! We only $99,600 more to go!
But, I still feel that this production will still come to fruition. It may frustrate me and push me to the edge at times, but I have met so many wonderful people through this project, not just the dancers, but the musicians providing the music and the supporters that are rallying to see this done. We have created some wonderful, memorable art with this project, such as Jodi Waseca's proof-of-concept video and the 'Le Beaute de l'Obscurite' fundraiser. I feel more will come. I know more will come.
It has been a long and difficult year for this production, but we have taken our first few steps and took a few stumbles. But, we are still moving forward, albeit slowly. As we continue on, our steps will become stronger, we will stumble less, building stength and momentum until our steps become a walk and then evolve into a run then a full charge.
And then we will be able to share this vision, this dream with everyone!
First let me start by saying that dark fusion bellydancers tend to mostly create story and character and mood with their performances, nearly in a theatrical manner, as evidenced by the wonderful bellydance version of Nosferatu that was staged by Silent Sirens Theatre, with Frederique: The Lady Fred and Ariellah. The spark of this vision was during a photo session I had with Ariellah at the Chapel of Chimes in Oakland. Watching her move through the archways, around the pillars and up and down the stairs like a nymph or wandering spirit, carfree and full of life, but also with a sense of ominousness created the seed of an idea. Ariellah unexpectedly became the muse for this idea with the theatricality of dark fusion being the foundation.
This seed of an idea then settled in the back of my mind and slowly germinated and grew until one day it burst forth and said "Hello! Remember me? I think it's time you nurtured me and helped me grow." I knew then it was what I needed to do. I knew if I said, "Not yet. Later," I would forget about it and it would die. So, I took this idea and nurtured it, letting it grow until I felt I could take pieces of it and pass it on to the dancers I knew in the hopes that they to would see it's beauty and worth and nurture it as well. It did seem to take hold on most of those I passed it on to.
This idea, this vision was to have the dancers choreograph and perform a piece that would then be filmed as if I were shooting a narrative film. There would be no front of the stage they would be facing, there would be no walls that would limit the range of their movement. The locations that they would dance in were picked by them to help enhance the mood, the story of the performance. And much like in a film, the location was to create the world they would be and interact within.
Because of the creativity of the dancers and the fact that I do not want to present them with a piece that lacks in any aspect of our combined efforts and imaginings, the process of creating this has taken longer than expected. But as my cinematographer pointed out to me; You cannot rush creativity and the creative. Such endevours cannot always be governed by a calendar.
But in the year that has passed, we have seen a few wonderful dancers leave the project and another one join in. I hope to eventually get my cast back up to it's full capacity, but am waiting to make certain I have secured more funding before I ask those I am would love to join.
Alas, the problem we seem to be facing most is a problem that plagues most artistic endevours, which is funding. In the year that has passed, we have raised funds by selling t-shirts, running a couple Kickstarter campaigns, holding a performance event and have managed to raise $400! We only $99,600 more to go!
But, I still feel that this production will still come to fruition. It may frustrate me and push me to the edge at times, but I have met so many wonderful people through this project, not just the dancers, but the musicians providing the music and the supporters that are rallying to see this done. We have created some wonderful, memorable art with this project, such as Jodi Waseca's proof-of-concept video and the 'Le Beaute de l'Obscurite' fundraiser. I feel more will come. I know more will come.
It has been a long and difficult year for this production, but we have taken our first few steps and took a few stumbles. But, we are still moving forward, albeit slowly. As we continue on, our steps will become stronger, we will stumble less, building stength and momentum until our steps become a walk and then evolve into a run then a full charge.
And then we will be able to share this vision, this dream with everyone!
I love the sound of string instruments performing together. A lovely quartet playing, especially something from the Baroque period (or reminiscent of), will typically get a listen from me. But if I was asked what would be my favorite of the stringed instruments, I find myself always thinking of the cello.
I think this is because when it comes to being played as a solo instrument, I find it more versitale melodically than a bass, but less strident and screechy in sound than the violin and sometimes the viola can get. It has a mellowness and moodiness to it's quality that alows it to be slow and somber when needed but also energetic and lively.
Also, on a minor point, I have found that there is something sensual about the instrument to me; a bit of eroticism to the way the instrument is held and placed when played. The only instrument, to me that seems to have this sort of connection.
Typically, since I was more aware of stinged instruments being used in orchestral compositions, I never really paid much attention to the artists themselves, moreso than the pieces that were performed. But lately I have been finding I am in the mood for more contemporary cello work. Modern pieces typically written by the cellist themselves, either as instrumental pieces or accompaniment to vocal work. At the moment the two that I can easily name off the top of my head are Zoe Keating and Unwoman. Currently I find myself listening to them almost daily. If you you visit their sites they do have some tracks available for free download. I was also wondering if there are any other cellists you would recommend.
I'm also glad to say that I can count Unwoman among those I would consider an aquantaince and friend. And if all falls into place, may be working with her in the future, possibly before the end of the year.
But if anyone local is interested in seeing Unwoman perform, she will be having a CD release party on Sept. 29th at the Uptown (link below). On the album, 'Uncovered: Volume 1', she will be doing a cover of a selection of songs from 1980-1995 that have been inspirational to her or had some personal meaning. I have had the opportunity to listen the album and it is a wonder to listen to.
I hope many of you will be able to make it out.
The link to info about the Unwoman CD release party is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199941830067125
I think this is because when it comes to being played as a solo instrument, I find it more versitale melodically than a bass, but less strident and screechy in sound than the violin and sometimes the viola can get. It has a mellowness and moodiness to it's quality that alows it to be slow and somber when needed but also energetic and lively.
Also, on a minor point, I have found that there is something sensual about the instrument to me; a bit of eroticism to the way the instrument is held and placed when played. The only instrument, to me that seems to have this sort of connection.
Typically, since I was more aware of stinged instruments being used in orchestral compositions, I never really paid much attention to the artists themselves, moreso than the pieces that were performed. But lately I have been finding I am in the mood for more contemporary cello work. Modern pieces typically written by the cellist themselves, either as instrumental pieces or accompaniment to vocal work. At the moment the two that I can easily name off the top of my head are Zoe Keating and Unwoman. Currently I find myself listening to them almost daily. If you you visit their sites they do have some tracks available for free download. I was also wondering if there are any other cellists you would recommend.
I'm also glad to say that I can count Unwoman among those I would consider an aquantaince and friend. And if all falls into place, may be working with her in the future, possibly before the end of the year.
But if anyone local is interested in seeing Unwoman perform, she will be having a CD release party on Sept. 29th at the Uptown (link below). On the album, 'Uncovered: Volume 1', she will be doing a cover of a selection of songs from 1980-1995 that have been inspirational to her or had some personal meaning. I have had the opportunity to listen the album and it is a wonder to listen to.
I hope many of you will be able to make it out.
The link to info about the Unwoman CD release party is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199941830067125
I currently have a Kickstarter campaign up and running to try and raise the money I need to pay the musicians for their music being used in 'Bellydance Unbound', my current video project. You can view the Kickstarter page at this link: Linky-link. Check it out and share with your friends who might be interested.
Also, I am going to have a small fundraising performance event for the project near the end of June. The 25th of June to be more specific. Here is the current artwork I have for the flyers.
If you're in the Bay Area, I hope you'll be able to make it out.
Also, I am going to have a small fundraising performance event for the project near the end of June. The 25th of June to be more specific. Here is the current artwork I have for the flyers.
If you're in the Bay Area, I hope you'll be able to make it out.
If anyone has a Zivity account and is curious, here are some samples of sets I have on Zivity and links to the full set.
Would love to hear what you all think.
LeEvil - Pirate Treasure
LeEvil - It's a Wrap!
LeEvil - Premium Unleaded
LeEvil - Stereographic Peepshow
LeEvil - Haunting
Ines - Don't Ruin the Shoes
Ines - Pocket FAIL
And two sets awaiting approval from the model to go live.
Arabelle Raphael - Woman in Chains
Somnium - Mesh Shirts and Horns Don't Mix
Would love to hear what you all think.
LeEvil - Pirate Treasure
LeEvil - It's a Wrap!
LeEvil - Premium Unleaded
LeEvil - Stereographic Peepshow
LeEvil - Haunting
Ines - Don't Ruin the Shoes
Ines - Pocket FAIL
And two sets awaiting approval from the model to go live.
Arabelle Raphael - Woman in Chains
Somnium - Mesh Shirts and Horns Don't Mix
As Valentine's is over, I am replacing my Valentine's post with this image until I can think of something of interest to write about or show, which would be a big change from everything I have ever written about or shown.
