July 2010 Mutli-Level Workshop!
New Jersey pics!
Jay Jay
I was in Paris in the early 90’s with my boyfriend at the time (we’ll call him PK). We were on a two week trip of Europe, and PK was introducing me to some of his friends and showing me some of his favorite spots. We stayed at the hotel that Madonna shot her music video for Justify My Love (ya gotta see it), and the chocolate croissants in this hotel were amazing. We enjoyed the beauty of Paris but PK was really looking forward to introducing me to his friend Jay Jay.
Jay Jay was trying to be a model, and it was very difficult to make a living in Paris. The modeling world runs hot and cold,and he was struggling. PK would give him some money from time to time to help tide him over.
When we picked up Jay Jay from his flat, I was amazed at how small the apartments were for the amount he was paying. OMG!! It was crazy actually. But he felt he needed to be in Paris, even if he had to eat crackers to afford it. I understood his determination but couldn’t help wondering what he was going to do if the “modeling thing” didn’t work out for him. I enjoyed his company very much; he had an amazing sense of humor and was a blast to be around. I sure hoped others saw him as I did.
So, a few years ago, I was thrilled when I first turned on America’s Next Top Model and saw Ms. Jay on the screen. Yep…. there he was in all his glory. Ms. Jay (well, Jay Jay to me and PK) was sitting there on the judging panel with his back straight and his head up high. I sure didn’t have to worry about him and his tiny little flat in Paris anymore!
I love watching America’s Next Top Model. I love the fashion, the panel, Tyra, and of course the girls that go through such transformations. But most of all I love that Jay Jay is seen and put in a position he deserves.
Oh. .. and just in case you were wondering. . . Jay Jay did teach me how to model walk that night in Paris. I’m sure he thought I was a hopeless case.
Belgium Workshop Update! June 23rd-29th!
Some updated info on our upcoming Belgium workshop:
Dear Dancers,
You may have known already that Suhaila Salimpour is coming to Belgium at the end of June, but did you know that she is now coming right near you!
Suhaila will be teaching various workshops throughout Belgium and the Netherlands, June 23rd-29th, at exclusive prices!
Check the schedule below and register for a workshop near you, or follow Suhaila around and register for all!
I look forward to seeing you again or meeting you there!
Maëlle
Practical Details
Level: the workshops are open to all levels
The Suhaila Salimpour format is so different (example: you shimmy with your glute muscles and not your legs) that all dancers, whatever their level, will learn new elements to enrich their dance. This technique can be applied to tribal, cabaret, Egyptian, and fusion styles of bellydance. Continuing education credits are available for dancers who are certified in the Suhaila Salimpour format.
Material: Top, pants & hip scarf (no skirts & no hip scarves with coins or beads). Water and a towel (be prepared to sweat!).
Contact us for more info!
Mandy
The idea that perfume could be an art form wasn’t foreign to me. But I really didn’t have any idea that the world of perfume had so much of a variety until I met Mandy Aftel.
Mandy is a woman with the utmost of integrity. As a single mother in Berkeley making ends meet on her own, she evolved into the most exclusive natural perfumer in the world, sought after by celebrities and royalty to make personalized perfume.
Mandy never comprises; she did not want to sell out and end up in Sephora. She doesn’t even want to be Channel, as even that would involve some element of comprise. She stays independent and exclusive for those that truly appreciate Natural Perfume.
She writes books, teaches course, and was recently acknowledged by the Museum of Natural History in New York.
I am honored to say that Luka, my online class partner, and I will be producing Mandy’s online classes. Her unique ability to combine the soul of a scent is something to see. Through her classes you will learn more about one of the most delicate and intimate arts around. Not only will you learn about how to make an oil or how to use a top, middle, and bottom note, but you can experience Mandy and be inspired by her knowledge, creativity and passion for what she does.
Until her online classes are launched, you can go to her web site: http://www.aftelier.com and enjoy this true and pure art. Thank you, Mandy, for introducing me to your world.