Ecsta-She

ECSTASHE DANCE WORKSHOP

2010-11-09T15:59:00.001+10:00

I am presenting a dance workshop 28 November in Cairns - venue to be determined.

I will go through the fundamentals of dance as a force to be reckoned with to move any limitation that no longer serves you. I will blend a bit of history, with theory, describe rhythm and facilitate dance exercises for the morning session. We will share a lunch with the arfternoon session dedicated to cutting up the groove on the dance floor, spreading our wings and moving our bodies, "sweating our prayers" (Gabrielle Roth).

The workshop will run from 11 - 4pm, will cost $100/$85 conc. Bookings essential- 0438 218 839....Min of 10, Max 16.
This will be the workshop that helps you realize why you love to dance and the connection to your divine and sexual authentic self.

Photo of Mistress Overdone

2010-11-09T15:48:00.000+10:00

Tropical Arts Measure for Measure- William Shakespeare

This was an amazing production process-30 people on stage aged 6 years - 67 years, high school drama students in cast and as technical crew, Indigenous actors, South Korean lighting designer, university students, professional actors and people who just love acting, also differently abled actors. Even my son is in this. A place for all and all have a place. Inclusive community. A melting pot of all sorts focussed on telling a ripping good yarn. Produced in manga style the show had people on their feet clapping closing night- an extra ordinary experience.
This project and the idea of inclusive community is dear to my heart- and at the expense of raving on- lot of love and care going on.....complete sovereinty of creative process as an actor, complete support from cast and production crew to accept all of me just as I am.
Look out for more Tropical Arts producitons.

Be bold and Beautiful

2010-11-09T15:11:00.000+10:00

Hello world- well once again I disappeared into the world of theatre making, playing Mistress Overdone in Will Shakespeares Measure for Measure.....and what needs to be said today is
Women you are beautiful, you are born to radiate beauty, sexy aliveness, juicy glowing mystery, it is your birthright....so please STOP wearing DAGGY bra's and knickers. One does not have to spend a fortune, but get rid of the no elastic, washed til faded grungie undies. One can wear anything on top if the reveal shows underwear that makes you feel pretty, not functional....if it doesn't support you to feel beautiful, glamorous, sexy and want to drop your clothes - get rid of it....the end.

Revolutions-no where to hide......

2010-09-17T08:29:00.000+10:00

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in square holes.....the one's who see things differently--they're not fond of rules.....You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things....they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the one's who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who usually do" (Steve Jobs).

Ok so the point of this is my facebook is now connected to this blog so out it goes to all and sundry- I feel vulnerable and exposed as my private musings go really public- however I want a revolution. I want people included in this world because they are human beings- it's their birthright to dignity, joy, and respect. Not "Oh,lets make space cause their special"--GET OVER IT--We are all special- only me, only you can do the job that is you---and the reflection of the whole this authentic being brings is truly inspiring!

And I want a sexuality revolution-----higher vibrating-----orgasmic connected into the weave of life-----check out this world and the possiblilty it gives to constantly be in pleasure and bliss----even when it's not a pretty day, there is beauty to be breathed in.....I want to laugh, I want to wander around this city of Cairns and know we are shifting to an inclusive, liberated and joyful community.
so I am out there-putting myself out there----if you are ready to join a revolution and want to liberate yourself from anything that keeps you little, connect in with me.....

Where I Been???

2010-09-16T16:00:00.001+10:00

As a professional artist who creates and producers theatre I have been off in that world......Finished directing Homo Apocolyptus with New York based Salvage theatre Co, have completed all the drumming and drama performanaces with differently abled people and am now off to work on the -
International Buskers Festival -c u there....

Cast Photo: Paul Kauffman, Monica Wyche and Katie Weiland

Taken in "The Attic" Gilligans

2010-08-16T17:29:00.000+10:00

Just keep moving

Gitama Buddha

Ecstasis- Greek "to move beyond Oneself"

After many attempts to sit and mediate, a young woman cracked a darky, and yelled to the Gods, "I can't do this shit!"- Disappointed, frustrated and angry with herself she cried, "There has to be another way." - The house grew still, and in her vision space she saw a wild woman swing through her doorway. This woman of Blue put her 8 arms on her hip leant forward and said, "So why don't you dance?" "Kali MA" she whispered. From that moment forth her blood whispered and she danced. She studied dance, explored the philosophies of authenticity and dance, sacred dance, she explored the meaning of sovereignty, compassion, power, integrity- in a form she instinctively knew - the dance.

It was this experience that lead me to the work of Gabrielle Roth and I found validation for my spirit, Sharron Rose, " The Path of the Priestess", and Amy Sophia Marashinky's, The Goddess Oracle, were sources for inspiration. I trained with Christina Demmler (Roth trained dancer), studied authentic dance and ecstatic dance. I took other women onto the dance floor and observed the transformation when I invoked sacred space as a shared inclusive community. We offer ourselves up to our primal languages- breath, movement, sound, colour and gesture. As the rhythm takes over us, a wave sweeps up from the floor connecting us to our inner authority, from this place we surrender our feet, ankles, calves, thighs, hips all the way up. Our spines loose and supple, our heads free of chatter, the dance of life is felt and expressed. I observed the shared union on the dance floor supporting expressions of fear, anger, grief, joy and compassion. I was told stories of how participants felt breath and life force seep back through their bones. The blood pumped and the tears flowed, anger stomped and chaos cracked open, how joy is freedom and compassion forgives. Images of stories known and unknown searched for release to find more essence of being.

Ecstatic dance is an ancient movement practice that has been revered as a way to meditate, evoke visionary experience and connect with spirit. It helps to restore the vital of energy of the body and recover lost parts of the soul in the process. By moving our bodies we are able to connect to the physical body-mind-heart and move the soul.....our dance is a reminder of the medicine we hold in our hearts, minds and bodies.......we connect to this power and the medicine moves and is moved by us.

Since this I have completed my counselling diplomas and Graduate Certificate in Artistic therapies through Sophia College (Steiner's 4 fold model of a human being mixed with Buddhist Psychotherapy framework). This creates a dynamic interweaving which creates a set of tools for authentic liberation.

"As above so below, as within as without"

Feelings are neither positive nor negative- they are simply forces in our own stories with their own vibration and function. This is where you practice to let it all go and surrender to your inner knowing, your rhythm and self, warts and all.

It is "rhythm who teaches us to find our own rhythm, as well as teaching respect for the rhythms of all others." In searching for Truth- we find that every life form has its own sacred space and rhythm." (Jamie Sands The 13 Original Clan Mothers.)

To enter sacred space is to say you are willing to dance to your own rhythm and claim all that you are.

"With rhythmic movements she organized as yet unformed elements making orderly patterns" Elrual.com

For inspiration Google: Gabrielle Roth, 5 rhythms dance, Sharron Rose, Ecstatic Dance, Sophia College, Saida Desilets, Rumi Poetry, Divine dance, Goddesses', Shematrix, Dakhini, Skydancer, Kundalini Dance

Arts for everyone

2010-08-16T17:24:00.000+10:00

I have worked within the disability and disadvantaged fields for over 20 years, and in that time frame there has been much discussion about inclusion.

The arts-dance, music, drama, singing, and cross art forms are the tools that can show us how to value the unique expression of all beings. Its is not that artists are special people but that all people are special artists, who have their own expression of a point of veiw, of a story to tell, an insight or vision to be shared.
It is in this space that a person can find the ability to communicate without linear verbal language. It is in the arts space that safety is created for differences to be explored and valued. This offers the community and the world diversity of experienceas platform to share our humanity.

It is also in this art space that people who at times receive their world through rigid control mechanisms can find their voice. Sexuality, and a the right to experience sexuality's freedom is offered as a right to be discussed, expressed, danced, sung and made into theatre.

It is often shocking to concerned parents and guardians that this topic is so passionately celebrated in the arts. To dance is to feel alive and "sexy", to feel good about yourself, without the loud voices of judgement condeming you to be quiet and lack confidence, to make theatre is to explore human relationships and this involves sexuality. Sexuality is a part of who we are as a human being where we are experiencing a disability or not.

Lost your Lust -sex for life

2010-08-16T17:08:00.000+10:00

Lust for life- not just the words of an infamous Iggy Pop song but a quality for life that comes from a vital sexual energy. Sexual energy is a powerful healing and spiritual force giving pizazz to the cells, a lift to the organs and a buzz to the brain. The use of sexual energy to keep passion empowered means challenging any limiting beliefs you may hold on sexuality.
Sexuality is not just sex ( the act of) but an expression of your flowing juicy self in communication with all that can bring you pleasure. A beautiful sky, a magnificant tree, a magic moment when you observe a beings grace unnoticed, a jaunty walk, a rose- whatever pops your cork. This aliveness can be breathed in and held in the body as joy which can add to your daily dose of bliss.
When your awareness notices an alive moment full of beauty, breath in and direct the feeling enegy of your experience into your spine. Circulate this up and down your spine, squeezing in your pelvic floor muscles these acting like billows fueling the energy. Feel your feet firmly onthe ground and allow any excess to flow off into the earth. Feel the heart open, and your alive sexuality be affirmed.

Pleasure - sexuality in counselling

2010-08-02T22:03:00.002+10:00

When was the last time you experienced something, someone just for the pleasure of it ? Actually did stop to consciously smell the roses, stopped to drink in the beauty surrounding you, really tasted the food in front of you, or breathed deeply filling your body with the spirit of joy?

When was the last time you set a room up, lit incense, put on music, got out the oil and masturbated for your own sexual pleasure. (oh dear, I'd never do that???)

In our world, this one we have created, we are very familiar with violence, domination, authority and control.
If the above question has sent you ducking for cover because all this "stuff" is triggered then the first question I would ask you is

"What is your relationship to pleasure?".

Do you indulge yourself with your senses and approve of hedonism "now and then"?

Or " How often do you deny your reckless call to spontaneity for the fear of being TOO wild, of being "naughty", of being caught, of not fitting in or just plain societal contructions barring your way?

If you want to resolve and feel in peace with you sexuality then research your relationship to pleasure.

Dance and Ecstatic Bliss

2010-07-29T13:49:00.000+10:00

Bliss

"She is to be known through ecstasy.
She is the extra ordinary lover and PLAY mate
The giver of endless pleasure...
There is more delight in her, than a man can comprehend in a thousand lifetimes.
There is more depth in her than a hundred gods can fathom in a hundred aeons.
And when the immortal council, bewildered by her many enigma’s
sought the unborn God for his advice on how to approach her,
He replies,
“She is to be known through ecstasy”
Surrender to her, she is endless bliss......" Samuel Sagan

Who is this SHE???

These ignited my imagination, fuelled my passion and resolve to find within me this force. I wanted to claim bliss, I wanted to dance with it, taste it, touch it, be moved and be moved by it, to feel this running through my body. I was willing to surrender all traditional containers and constructs of "what it means to be a she" and describe this state and experience for myself as a woman.

My greatest teacher has been the dance.

The ecstatic/bliss state can be found in literature describing dance practice. Trance dance, ceremonial dance found in Indigenous cultures from Australia, Tibet, Native American, Indian, and African all speak of surrender to the divine and rapture of spirit through dance. With music and movement the shape, gesture and flow of bliss can be found in the body and known fully. A dancer can move from what is not bliss back into the rhythm and movement of what is bliss.

As women we no longer have to rely on traditional constructs of what womanhood means. The books and DVDs may give one insight however it is the journey into the body where a woman will find the sensual, ecstatic pleasure and blissful world. A world where pleasure is permitted and sought out as the answer, with no shame, guilt, or fear attached. "What will give you the greatest amount of pleasure in this moment?"
The rhythm and shape of bliss can become the underlying score of everything you do. All you have to do is surrender to her in the dance to find bliss.

Arts for Disability

2010-07-29T13:01:00.000+10:00

I have a 20 year professional theatre career working with people experiencing disabilities, disadvantage and mental health challenges. The arts as a tool can be used to create postive change withing the individual and as a vehicle to include people in the life of the community.

Theatre, drumming, dance and singing are taught in groups settings and a programme created around the needs of individuals within the group.

Stay tuned for 20years of practice and insight.

Counselling

2010-07-25T10:19:00.000+10:00

Counselling modalities are based in the works of Rudolph Steiner and Buddhist Psycotherapy where the spirit, mind and body connection is honoured. The modalities uses a phenomonological approach meaning that the way a client interprets the world, cultural and religious beliefs and values are honoued, individual truth and knowing is accepted and investigated, using the arts as a means to give these expression.
This does not mean you need to be an artist or dancer to experience this way of knowing; just a willingness to truly embody your human experience and give it a voice if it causes suffering, and thereby change the experience.
The focus questions are- "When you think of this experience where in your body do you feel it?", "Where do you stop breathing?" "Is there any reason you wish to keep this experience painful?' "What does it cost you to do so?". "How could your life be if you surrendered this story?" "What does your heart really want?' "What would bring you the greatest amount of pleasure?".
I find that if an issue loops and no matter what you do it still resurfaces, then the body memory is not cleared of all associated experiences and you are still being triggered. This being human usually means work to do on the self if one wishes to experience the notions of liberation, authenticity, pleasure, joy, happiness.
Being the investigator of your own experience and giving voice to what exactly is going on in your body, mind and spirit can lead to life altering decisions.

Cairns Street Buskers Festival

2010-07-21T13:50:00.002+10:00

Cairns Street Buskers Festival.

I believe in FUN. Do you?

Festivals Up North (or FUN as we are better known) was formed by local arts and event producers who needed a platform to facilitate independent art, festivals and events.
We recognise the great opportunities and benefits the Buskers Festival offers to our local performers, our community as well as value adding to our tourism industry. The Buskers Festival seemed a very apt festival to make as our starting point.

Our goal is simply this:
To create, promote and grow positivity, impact, artistic expression and sustainable events whilst having fun.

We do not operate with commercial intent and any finances generated from what we create is invested back into the growth and development of new and existing projects.
The Ergon Energy Cairns Street Buskers Festival will be a great success this year and in the future thanks to many contributors: our sponsors, our creative team and our volunteers. FUN acknowledges that everything we do is a team effort and no one person's contribution is of less value than any others.
FUN welcomes and encourages like minded and spirited individuals and organisations who want to join us in fun festivals and a fantastic future. Input and contributions come in all shapes and sizes and we have many levels on which you can be involved.
We hope you all make the most of what the Buskers Festival has to offer and we look forward to many years of creating top-notch, world class festivals and events with you and for you.

The FUN Team

Melinda Norris - Festival Director
Melissa Robertson - Marketing Manager
Angi Varley - Festival Manager
Velvet Eldred - Cabaret and Comedy Club Manager
Narissa Heath - Pitch Manager
Cara Coughey - Festival Assistant
Rob Rutten and Joyce Mar - Rutten Technology Services
Matt Mann - Resident MC
Jason Hanlon - Support Services
Be there!