The reality is I'm really incredibly out of breath

[clevermanka]

I did a belly dance presentation for a WGSS class this morning and I feel like it went well. The part I was nervous about (the talking and Q&A session) went better than the dancing, IMO. The students had some great questions, including asking me about belly dancing's relationship to burlesque, so I got to talk about the fraught (but improving) relationship between belly dancers and strippers. That was good.

I felt like I was really on for the Q&A (I just felt easily informative and competent), and at one point, after I'd mentioned being a staunch feminist, a guy asked me what influenced me to be a feminist, I replied "Reality."

I got lots of smiles, nods, and even a few chuckles from the class. I think it went well and I got to catch and call out someone who was texting during my performance so that was great. Don't think she appreciated it much but oh well.

Worst part, though, either I'm even more out of shape than I thought or I breathed in some chalk dust when I leaned over to unplug my iPod speakers because I've been wheezing and coughing for an hour and a half, now. UGH.

Comments

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad to hear it went well!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Me, too. Very unsatisfied with my dancing, but hey, I'm woefully out of shape, so all things considered (I didn't faint or fall down), I feel good about it.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

HOORAY! And go you for calling out the texter. Heh.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Man, she gave me a nasty look but the people around her laughed. I'm betting she texts in class a lot.

[msmitti.livejournal.com]

*definitely* good for you for calling out the texter.

Glad the Q&A went well. You can tell when someone is prepared as opposed to really knowing their stuff.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I forgot to also mention that one of the GTAs for the class asked me what I thought was the main reason for the shift in belly dancer attitudes toward burlesque and stripping and I got to answer "Third Wave Feminism."

Public shaming = effective

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Re: Public shaming = effective

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Works with emails to negligent committee members, too.

[mundungus42.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy it went well and that other than chalk-dust-induced wheezing after the fact, no health issues interfered!

'tis the season

[the-lucky-nun.livejournal.com]

I've come down with a respiratory thing, just in the last few hours, and I think it was a parting gift from a Thanksgiving relative.I hope your thing is just chalk dust.

Way to call out the texter. It's rude and people need to be mindful.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

This post is full of win.. except for the coughy wheezy.. but it's a small price to pay for AWESOME!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Me, too!

Re: 'tis the season

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Oof. Sorry to hear you're wheezy, too. I still have a bit of a cough this morning so that's really weird.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Yes! And I think most of the 15 pounds I've put on since I last wore a costume went to my boobs. DOUBLE WIN.

[sherwood21.livejournal.com]

Even if your dancing technique is not where you'd like it to be right now, you still have a lot of stage presence and charisma, so I'm sure it was still a good performance. Also, so glad your Q&A was interesting and informative!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks bb!

[kazoogrrl.livejournal.com]

Why am I a feminist? Facts.

Glad it went well!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Me, too! Whew!

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

VaVaVoom!

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

You're awesome.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Wow, catching up on LJ, babe?