Five Years and Still Dancing Strong

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

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!

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

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!