The Neighbourhood Strays

Apologies - It has been too long!

2009-07-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Somehow, it doesn't seem as though July should be here already. The summer is slipping by quickly and there is so much we are doing! Some of us have been away for workshops and others have been caught up in moving and other life changes. But we are gathering our energies for the exciting summer events we have happening.

First of all, Tuesday and Wednesday (July 7 and 8) are our "Goddess Within" shows. The students in our "My First Solo" class have worked very hard and have created some wonderful choreographies that are powerful and entertaining. We are so very proud of everyone who is part of this.

Our Summer Bellydance workshops and open dance nights are also coming up, starting this week. Here is the line-up:

Open Dance (July 9) : Join the Neighbourhood Strays for open dancing at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre! There will be a Stray-led warm-up, followed by lots of dancing.

Undulations (July 16) - Workshop with Kristine!

Open Dance in the Park (July 23): Join the Neighbourhood Strays for open dancing at Bannerman Park (weather permitting)! There will be a Stray-led warm-up, followed by lots of dancing.

Club Dancing (July 30) with Lori: You love to dance, wherever you are! Take your bellydance moves to the dance floor with combinations that are sure to be the envy of your friends and a hit at the club!

Open Dancing (August 6): Join the Neighbourhood Strays for open dancing at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre! There will be a Stray-led warm-up, followed by lots of dancing.

1, 2, Step (August 13) with Vanessa: You know how to shimmy and you know how to do snake arms. But how do you put them together? This workshop will take some of the moves you learned in Beginners and show you how to combine them in different combinations. Now you're dancing!

Open Dance (August 20): Join the Neighbourhood Strays for open dancing at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre! There will be a Stray-led warm-up, followed by lots of dancing.

All workshops and open dance nights run from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Neighbourhood Strays Dance Centre unless otherwise stated.

The workshops cost $24.00.
Admission for the open dance nights is $2, OR a non-perishable donation to the food bank.
REGISTER NOW at www.theneighbourhoodstrays.com

And another workshop ....AINSLEY IS BACK!
And she is offering two new workshops! On Sunday, July 19th, Ainsley will be teaching "Egyptian Hips II" from 1:00 - 3:00 pm and "Swirling Skirts" from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. Both workshops will take place at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre. The cost for one workshop is $25, and you can do both workshops for just $40. Register at www.theneighbourhoodstrays.com asap as spots will fill quickly!

On top of all that, there is Summerdance, the Lantern Festival, possible performances at other locations in St. John's and surrounding areas this summer (TBA!!!). Whoever said summer was for taking it easy?

Dancing on the Edge II - The Afterglow

2009-05-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Our apologies for not posting lately. In the weeks coming up to Dancing on the Edge II, life was a flurry of rehearsals, finishing costumes, finalizing details and squeeling with excitement. It was positively surreal when the day finally came and we were waiting for our audience to arrive.

The show was spectacular, start to finish. Lotus Energy from Grand Falls-Windsor showed no wear and tear from their long journey as they started the show with a performance that was true to their name. The excitement continued with the Saltwater Gypsies, DeeDance, Meg Ryan, Vera Murad, Christina Penney, Linda Bursey (Nachita) and Bollywood Jig. The months of work paid off for us as the Neighbourhood Strays premiered three new choreographies. We were very proud to be Strays that night, not just because of our dancing, but because we were able to raise so much money, thanks to our generous audience, for the Purple Lupin Project. The show went off without a hitch, thanks to our MC Jay and Stage Manager Kerri.

They say that pictures are worth a thousand words, so we'll let you see for yourself...

Dancing on the Edge II - May 9

2009-04-24T08:36:00.001-07:00

This is our really big, blow-out event of the year. We're at the point where we feel this show should be called "Dancing off the Edge" as we fit extra rehearsals in around our busy schedules, put up posters and stay up late to finish off our costumes. There's nothing better than this phase, when we're perfecting the movements and working on the presentation. This year's show is even more exciting than the sell-out last year ( which is saying something!) for a bunch of reasons.

First of all, the show is at the Bella Vista, a wonderful venue for audience and dancers alike.

Second, we have a troupe coming all the way from Grand Falls- Windsor, led by Colleen Hunter. In addition, we have Meg Ryan, DeeDance, and Vera Murdova, Bollywood Jig and Christina Penney.

Third, we are donating the proceeds to the Purple Lupin Project (www.purlpelupin.ca): this group of voluneers compile and distribute packages of information for people who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. We felt it was a wonderful cause to support and, because the show takes place on World Bellydance Day, it allows us to be a 'sanctioned' event.

Finallly, we decided that for this show, we'd only feature new choreographies: three specifically created for this show. They are bigger, better and more beautiful than we even imagined when we started.

So, those are all the reasons we'd like to see you there! The tickets are $10 and can be purchased from TVAL, Fred's Records, the Bella Vista and the Strays.

The doors open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm.

We promise a show that is worth the money - Help us help people with breast cancer.

Spring Classes with the Neighbourhood Strays!

2009-04-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

We're so excited about the warm temperatures and being able to see some grass peeking through that we decided to have a Spring Semester of classes:

Spring 2009 Bellydance Class Schedule, starting April 19th:

Sundays
2:00 - 3:00 pm Open Practice for Members
3:00 - 5:00 pm Andrea Intensive*
5:00 - 6:30 pm Beginners with Lori
6:30 - 8:30 pm Advanced Your First Solo with Andrea and Lori*

Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:30 pm Intermediates I (Veils) with Kristine
8:30 - 10:00 pm Advanced Improvisation with Kristine

Thursdays
12:45 - 1:15 pm Lunchtime Class with Lori **

*This class will run for 5 weeks with a possible option to continue after the five weeks

** This class will run for 8 weeks

All other classes will run for 7 weeks ( six 1.5 hour classes and one 1 hour class)

Classes cost $120.00 except the Lunchtime class which is $48.00.
Please see our website for descriptions of our classes.

Classes are filling up quickly, so register now to ensure your space.
Registration starts April 6 at www.theneighbourhoodstrays.com

The Party's over, but not the fun....

2009-04-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

BLESSINGS!

Well, our birthday month has come to an end. It's hard to believe that the celebration has come and is now over. We planned, trained and anticipated it for so long that it doesn't seem fair that it zipped by so fast. That being said, we have had a wonderful time this month.

We performed at several multicultural events,Mary Griffiths' Night and with the Forgotten Bazouki (our favourites, for sure!). We hosted the Gypsy Carnival - Sheila wanted to be part of it so much she showed up for the first day (poor girl didn't realize she'd shut it all down in her enthusiasm to dance!).

The finale, our "Unveiled" show, beat all our expectations. Even though the choreographies were familiar, there was a new energy and meaning in them for us as we danced them. And our audience really enjoyed getting the "inside scoop". We all laughed and cried as we talked about what the dances meant to us, how they had impacted us, and how our shared love of the dance and our troupe is reflected in the fun we have creating together. And the party after, with the most beautiful cake ever, was so much fun. Thanks everyone for making it such a special time for the Strays. We couldn't have done it without you!

So, what comes next?

We don't believe in taking it easy, so we are already in the throes of preparing for Dancing on the Edge II. We are thrilled that we are going to have performers from Grand Falls (and hopefully Corner Brook!) and that we are going to be at the beautiful Bella Vista this year. And we are happy to be able to support the Purple Lupin Project in their efforts to provide education and support to cancer patients. Bellydance, good causes and great location - it doesn't get any better than that!

We're also planning our Spring session of classes, including Beginners, Intermediate Veils, the Andrea Intensive, Improv and My First Solo. It's gonna be a blast!

While there may be changes in the months and years to come, the Neighbourhood Strays will carry on. Here's to the next five years being as great as the last!

2009-03-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

The Anniversary celebrations continue and we're having far too much fun for one bellydance troupe!

Our Gypsy Carnival was pre-empted on Saturday by Mother Nature - we respected her wishes and stayed home that day. But Sunday's workshops went ahead and everyone had a fine time learning Hula Hooping, Club Dancing and ATS. And, of course, shopping. "Bellydance costumes" and "sale" in the same sentence is heaven! The workshops, bazaar and tarot readings that were scheduled for last Saturday will be going ahead on Sunday, March 29 from 12:00 on. Visit our website for details.

This week we will be performing at the Ship with the Forgotten Bazuki on Wednesday, March 25. Thursday, March 26, we will be at Mary Griffiths' Night, the annual fundraiser for MUN's Folklore Society where the Strays got their start five years ago. We'll be on at about 8:30.

And Saturday, March 28 is our Anniversary Show called "Strays Unveiled". It's a show about our favourite choreographies and the memories that go with them. It's at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre at 163 Water Street. There will be cake and celebrating. The tickets are almost all gone - check TVAL and Fred's Records, as the troupe's tickets are all gone. Doors open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:00.

And we've posted more videos in our "FIVE YEARS OF BELLYDANCE MEMORIES" Series on Youtube. Check out:
How Lori became a bellydancer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO9__1spO-Q
Dancing with kids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5AD9AED2bk&feature=channel_page
Getting up the nerve: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNuP44uM4wQ
The Trip to Clarenville: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjxszlqyRNI

Birthdays rock, don't they!

Five years of memories with the Strays

2009-03-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

During March, check out our videos on YouTube. Members of the Strays will recount their memories of performances, events, why we started dancing, how to meet your true love through bellydance...whatever comes to mind!

First up? Andrea and the Blood Sacrifice....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEkXe7VguVw

Our Five Year Anniversary has arrived!!!

2009-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Five years ago, the Neighbourhood Strays held its first public performance at Mary Griffiths' Night, a fundraiser for MUN's Folklore Society. Since then, members have joined and left, our dance style has evolved and we've opened our own studio. But we haven't forgotten that it's been our supporters - students, followers and friends/family - who got us here. To celebrate this accomplishment, we're holding events during the month of March.

GYPSY CARNIVAL - A weekend of dancing, deals and fun! Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22 . join the Neighbourhood Strays at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre for a weekend of dancing, celebrating and deals. DANCING: Workshops: $5.00 each (Saturday and Sunday) Saturday, March 21st: 1:00-1:50pm - Intro to Bellydance with Kristine 2:00-2:50pm - Flamenco with Christina Penny 3:00-3:50pm - Bollywood with Sanchita of Bollywood Jig Sunday, March 22nd: 12:00-12:50pm - Hula Hooping with Ryan Davies 1:00-1:50pm - Intro to ATS with Andrea 2:00-2:50pm - Take it to the Club with Andrea Each day, after the dance workshop end, we'll be holding a bazaar - Selected Stock 40% off and tarot readings by Jaime O'Leary, plus open dancing for those so inspired!

STRAYS UNVEILED - Saturday March 28
The Strays will host an intimate evening featuring our favourite choreographies and memories. The event will be held at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Center (163 Water Street) so seating will be limited. Tickets $5 each - available from the Neighbourhood Strays

Busy, busy, busy!

2009-02-09T05:43:00.000-08:00

Wow! January and February have been busy months.

We started classes, and are in the swing of the semester (only one snow day so far!). We have a wonderful group of students, and our membership program is growing.

Our "Baby Strays" have started their troupe preparation training, and their hard work is showing. They've performed at two events already this year.

In January, the Baby Strays, along with their instructor Kristine Nolte, performed at the Cancer Society's Relay for Life. They also gave a demonstration to the participants. They received rave reviews and their help in making the time pass for those giving their time to raise money for cancer reseach was appreciated.

In February, the Baby Strays again performed at the Beagle Paws Silent Auction fundraiser. Once again, they made us proud. Along with the Baby Strays, Kristine and Joelle also performed. By all reports, a good time was had by all and the event did well raising funds so Beagle Paws could continue their work rescuing beagles and finding them homes.

On January 31, 2009, we held a Members Night. We started with hair and makeup tips b y Kristin e and the other Strays. Then everyone got "beautified", and Jared Reid, a local photographer, took photographs of the 'belly beauties'. It was a great night of beauty and laughter.

We're working hard getting ready for our anniversary events on the March 21/22 weekend (Bazaar and bellydance/ bollywood/ hooping workshops), Mary Griffiths Night and Dancing on the Edge II on May 9. Stay tuned for more details!

We are also placing a t-shirt, tank and hoodie order with Living Planet. Available are the Strays Logo and the Newfoundland Bellydance Mafia logo (see right).

And, because the Abbeyshot pants are such a hit (and the sizing bugs have been worked out), we're placing a second order of those in the near future.

Touch base with us at info@theneighbourhoodstrays.com for more information.

Five Years and Still Dancing Strong

2009-01-28T04:42:00.000-08:00

This year, the Neighbourhood Strays celebrate five years as a troupe. We have always done something to mark the years, (usually a performance for Mary Griffiths'Night), but this year we've decided to 'do it big'. It is a milestone, after all! Here's what we have planned:

FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS!

March 21 and 22, 2009 12noon to 4:30 pm - workshops, bazaar, tarot reading and more at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre. More on the workshops will be posted later. The cost per workshop will be $5.00.

Thursday, March 26th (tentative) - Mary Griffiths Night
Performing at Mary Griffiths Night has become a tradition for the Neighbourhood Strays, and we will be there again this year with coins on! We will post more information as plans are finalized.

March 28 - ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE
In celebration of our fifth year as a troupe, the Strays are performaning some of our nearest and dearest choreographies and talking about the meaning, history and memories associated with them.

This performance will be at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre, so tickets will be limited.

Doors open at 7:30pm and the performance starts at 8:00 pm. Admission is $5.00. Tickets available in advance from the Strays.

DANCING ON THE EDGE II
May 9, 2009
The Bella Vista
Doors Open 7:30 pm and Performances start at 8:00 pm
Admission $10.00

Last year was such a wonderful success, we decided to do it again. We're inviting bellydancers from all over Newfoundland to join us for a celebration of our dance form.

This year's event is also a celebration of WORLD BELLYDANCE DAY. All proceeds will be donated to the Purple Lupin Project, a group that distributes literature to women diagnosed with breast cancer (for more information, go to http://www.purplelupin.ca)
Following the performance, there will be an open dance party!
Tickets available in advance from the Neighbourhood Strays. Last year's event sold out, so we suggest you get them early.

An updated list of performers will be posted as we get closer to the event. Stay tuned!

Photo by Jared Reid

2009-01-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again, and the Neighbourhood Strays are offering a workshop in the spirit of love and romance.

Bedroom Bellydance is a 2 hour workshop designed to teach you sensuous moves that you can use to perform for a loved one. We teach basic moves, and a choreography that you can use to entrance your private audience. The workshop is on February 7, 2009 from 7-9 pm at the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre, 163 Water Street, St. John's NL. It costs $25 - there will be chocolate, prizes and lots of laughter.

You can register at www.theneighourboodhoodstrays.com

OOOPS!

2009-01-21T06:33:00.001-08:00

I forgot to mention - if you want more information about the troupe, our classes, upcoming events and more, check out www.theneighbourhoodstrays.com.

Something new

2009-01-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

Here we are, beginning another year of classes and performances. It is really a time of renewal - of goals, of spirit, of commitment. This is a time when many students come to us for the first time, looking to meet fitness goals. It is exciting because we look ahead to their increased confidence and the blossoming of their appreciation for bellydance.

2008 was a year of many firsts. We brought gypsy-style bellydance to Clarenville. We hosted Dancing on the Edge, the first show of its kind to bring members of the bellydance community together in one venue. We held male-friendly and children’s workshops. We hosted Audra Simmons of The Dark Side Studio in Toronto. And, of course, we opened the Neighbourhood Strays Bellydance Centre. Andrea spent this year travelling for the purpose of gaining further bellydance training, first obtaining her Suhaila Level I in Toronto, then her Fat Chance Bellydance Certification in California. And we’ve all benefitted from her hard work!

This year, the Neighbourhood Strays will celebrate 5 years of being a troupe. That history has seen highs and lows, troupe members have come and gone. The one thing that has remained constant has been our commitment to the dance form we love and the training that makes us better dancers and members of the bellydance community.

So, the new year? Well, here are some of the things we have coming up...

Saturday, January 24 - MUN Relay for Life
7:00 pm, MUN Field House
The MUN Relay for Life is a twelve-hour event in which teams raise money for the fight against cancer and then spend an entire night walking around the track at the MUN Field House to symbolize that "cancer never sleeps." Last year, MUN students raised $35,000! The Neighbourhood Strays are excited to be performing at such a great event! They will hit the stage at approximately 8:30 pm.

Sunday, February 8th - "For the Love of Beagles" Silent Auction and Chocolate Buffet
7:00 pm, the Bella Vista
Tickets $15
The Neighbourhood Strays are thrilled to announce they will be performing again this year at the 6th Annual Silent Auction and Chocolate Buffet "For the Love of Beagles" put off by Beagle Paws. All proceeds from the event go to helping homeless beagles. This popular event often sells out, so get your tickets early!

Thursday, March 26th (tentative) - Mary Griffiths Night
Performing at Mary Griffiths Night has become a tradition for the Neighbourhood Strays, and we will be there again this year with coins on! We will post more information as plans are finalized.

MEMBERS NIGHT - January 31, 2009
Hair and makeup tips and photos by Jared Reid.
For the details about our membership program, visit our website.

In the works? Our 5th Anniversary celebration, and Dancing on the Edge II.

We look ahead with anticipation to what this year will bring. And we're glad you're here with us!