March 2007 Volume I

Welcome... Welcome to the first edition of the HipSlingers Newsletter! In an effort to keep dance afficionado friends as well as past, present and potential students of my (Vilia) bellydance dance classes informed on Middle Eastern performances and class information, I have created this newsletter. Each month I will strive to include some helpful tips and interesting articles in addition to class and performance information for myself as well as my students and colleagues. I hope you find the content interesting and helpful. I am open to any contributions and suggestions so please feel free to contact me with feedback at vilia@pobox.com. Thank you! ~Vilia~ Student Spotlight... **Christine Beuck** Christine hails all the way from Germany where she received her PhD in Chemistry. In the Summer of 2005, Christine moved to San Diego to complete post-doctoral work in Bio Chemistry at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla. A desire for some form of low impact exercise brought Christine to the UCSD Recreation Center (RIMAC) where she noticed that bellydance classes were being offered. Christine recalls, "I had seen bellydance classes offered at the University in Germany and had always wanted to try them. It sounded like fun so I thought that this was my chance to try it out!" With no previous dance experience, Christine began her first bellydance class with Vilia that Summer nearly two years ago. She enjoyed it so much that when she saw additional classes being offered by her instructor, she felt that two times a week would be even better. Christine remembers, "I was fascinated by the isolations and how beautiful it was to watch. I was actually quite surprised that I could do it!" Soon Christine began design and sewing her own performance costuming. She also began hand dying silk veils, a task related to her past hobby of custom painting and dying silk scarves. Today Christine diligently attends the quarterly bellydance class at UCSD as well as weekly Wednesday night classes at the YMCA in La Jolla. All of Christine's hard work has definitely paid off. Christine was recently invited to perform with the HipSlingers Dance Company and participated in a large benefit show held at the former Jai Alai Palace in Tijuana, MEXICO last December. Now Christine will have her solo debut at Kolbeh's Persian Restaurant on Sunday, March 11th. The show will feature up to five additional performances by other local dancers. Open dancing will follow so be sure and join us in supporting Christine's debut performance on Sunday March 11th. Show starts at 7PM. Break a leg Christine! Upcoming Events... March 2, 16 and 23 - Vilia will be performing at the Marrakesh Restaurant in La Jolla. Enjoy an exotic Moroccan dining experience featuring two dance shows (7:30PM/9PM). Reservations recommended. March 11 - Christine will be giving her debut solo performance at Kolbeh Persian Restaurant. Come support this budding dance performer's first solo show along with other local San Diego performers. March 3 - Jennifer will perform at Greek Town in El Cajon. Enjoy a terrific Greek Buffet at this family friendly local restaurant. Show starts around 7PM. March 10 - Jennifer will perform at Zorba's Greek Buffet in Chula Vista. Show includes all-you-can-eat buffet, live music and four beautiful bellydancers. The waiters dance too! ** See the "Relevant Links" column to the right for restaurant websites and location information. **

Classes... For Detailed Class Descriptions Click Here! Wed 7:30-9PM La Jolla YMCA Firehouse 7877 Herschel Ave. La Jolla, CA 92037 (858)459-1640 Sat 11:30-1PM UCSD Rec Center 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 534-3772 Registration Form (pdf) Private Coaching by Appointment March Specials... ** New Students Only ** FREE Introductory Class! Enhance your Middle Eastern dance ability by trying out the ongoing Wednesday night class FREE! ** Existing Students ** Bring a friend to class and receive your class FREE! ** All Students ** Purchase a 6-class card and receive a FREE half-hour private coaching session valid for six months. Relevant Links... Marrakesh Restaurant Kolbeh Persian Restaurant Greek Town Buffet Zorba's Greek Buffet Vilia's Website

http://www.viliadance.com