Jewelry, Sewing, Classes,Hafla!?!

So I am back in the Studio making pretty little bits and bobbles. Making jewelry (mostly necklaces) helps my brain take a break from painting And gives me an outlet to use up all the extra dance pieces I have collected over the years. Etsy is a great online spot to purchase one, however I hope to build up a good sized inventory to regularly vend at dance events.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatGoatDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect

This link should take you there if your interested KatGoat Designs and Custom Jewelry.. Mary from Magpie Urban Designs also carries some of the pieces when she vends her amazing upcycled fashion.

I have recently gotten inspired to work on new costumes and have become addicted to Ebay..I really have to keep myself in check and not spend all my money on vintage buttons, beads, and appliques.

These costumes for the last (but not final) duet we did were so fun to make - assuit pieces, tribal coins, chains, gold tones, silver tones and the likes...skirts over bleached harem pants...I some how have managed to always make my costumes with no sewing machine! Lots of patience hand stitching and antique/thrift store finds! One of  my favorite aspects of being a tribal dancer is the costuming - I am also a jewelry whore.

So Missoula has been going well!! I have taken some great classes from Madrona Dances -  a challenge working on Egyptian stylings - and Aniysa who had us do a fun cane dance in her beginning level class.. I am going to try and take classes from a few of the other instructors in town as well.
I am planning a winter hafla in hopes to connect with the community and see all the dancers! And then I am going to get a monthly gig going at a venue or restaurant with several performers..one must keep on dancing, performing, and growing!

Stay Tuned for Info and Events listings!

Oh yeah and come November I am going to start teaching at the Barn Movement Studio -just settling on days and times!! I will start with a 4 week session.

go go go go go go!

A Change.. A Challenge...and the Dance

Well here I am in Montana.... but first- Thank You to the NW!

I have spent the last six years in the Northwest, living in Bellingham WA and traveling often to Seattle and the surrounding areas. An enormous amount of growth has happened in my art and dance in that time.
I have taught, performed, studied, traveled, struggled, and developed. This part of the country is home to truly gifted dancers. Seattle, Bellingham and Vancouver BC are full of gracious ladies who sponsor workshops, shows, and classes in every style of Belly dance imaginable....I am so great full to all that have invited me to perform in and take part in these awesome events.

As a Painter and for a Change I moved....

I am a wildlife painter specializing in Oil. A large majority of why I moved was to further this career.
Once a month for the last six months I have traveled to MT or WY for my art. After much thought we (Corey and I) decided being closer to these areas including ID and CO could only benefit, save on gas, travel expenses, time, and room to network with other painters.

Now About Dancing and what must be done....

Honestly the most difficult aspect of moving was leaving the Dance Community - My students, friends, dance partners, and fellow troupe members....Seriously.......(there will be visits soon!)

 My Partner in Crime, Nancy Peirce, I will miss endlessly - we have plans for skpe sessions and long distance choreos...Maggie Rose and of course Sam Riggs and Portico.... It is my mission to hang with these ladies at TF and any other dance festivals I can attend.

I know as dancers there are times we must sacrifice for other priorities, we are mothers, wives, students, working folk, family members and real people. Sometimes we can't afford to give it all to dance.... 

Okay so now that I am here in Missoula MT it is time to focus have daily practice and work hard on my personal dance. I hope to start up classes soon, and connect with the dance community. We are planning trips already for dance study and connecting.

Oh Hey- and you all better come visit!