Where have I been?

In the time between my last REAL post (almost three and a half years) I have been on an amazing journey. I never stopped dyeing, selling and experimenting with silks, but my infant daughter became my life. My husband and I decided together to do everything we could to keep me home and her out of daycare, and at her recent 4 year well checkup, my daughter has overcome and surpassed any evidence of being born premature. She is healthy, taller than average, and well advanced developmentally for her age. I kept my business scaled down, gave up quite a bit of the time I used to dance, and had to adjust to the fact that I couldn't keep a "perfect" house like I wanted to.That being said, I never prescribed myself solely to the role of wife, mother and homemaker. My family was my first priority and I did sacrifice a great deal, but I was constantly working. 

I collaborated with many creative and talented people. I danced as a soloist, in three troupes, was the dance captain for one of these prestigious troupes and was in many fabulous shows. I grew as a person, and an artist. I was pushed to create more unique and creative dance silks. My business grew year by year. Although I kept it part time and it was not the primary income for our family, my husband and I never considered it a "side business" for extra cash, but an investment in the developing of my business which would allow us time for the most important investment of our lives - our daughter. We sacrificed quite a bit for our choice. Now that she is a little older and in preschool, I will be focusing more on Silkdancer and growing the business. I'll be telling the stories of the past four years, sharing my insights and educating my customers on the many marvels of silk and color. 

Talk to you soon! In the meantime - Happy Dancing!

Truly touched by the belly dance community

The two beautiful ladies to the left are Chadia and Joharra, photo by Alan Tansky.

This year was an amazing, crazy ride. Between starting my business and becoming a mom I have been busier and happier than I have ever been. Watching my veils dance with all the beautiful people in the belly dance community and sharing my art is reward enough for me, to be recognized by the you truly is the sprinkles on the cherry on the icing of the cake! I have plans to expand my line of products in 2009 and this is truly the impetus to go forward. I have the honor of sharing the title of "Voted Great in 2008" with fellow artists:

Favorite Instructor: Kim Leary

Favorite Performers: Anka Kusu

Favorite Promoter: Michelle Devine

Favorite Restaurant: Cous Cous of NJ

Favorite Musician: Carmine Guida

Community Spirit...Pom-Pom winner: Anne Marie

Please check out the NJ Bellydancing website - it is an invaluable resource for dancers, events, vendors, and information on belly dance in NJ and surrounding areas. Thank you to Anne Marie and Cerisa for all the work on this OUTSTANDING website! http://www.njbellydancing.org/

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year filled with music and dance! (And lots of silk veils hee hee!)

Happy New Year! SQUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Lots of happy noises in the land of Silkdancer today. I got home to an email from NJ Bellydancing (amazing website BTW - http://www.njbellydancing.org/ ) that I was voted NJ favorite vendor of 2008. I was so honored! Thank you to all who voted. Please check out the NJ Bellydancing website - it is an invaluable resource for dancers, events, vendors, and information on belly dance in NJ and surrounding areas.