2011 Year in Review

Dilara Sultan posted these Year in Review questions on her blog Dilara's Diary, and I figured I'd indulge in a little introspection to answer them. Also, a random picture. It's so weird to look at pictures of myself from before I hennaed my hair! Who is that brown-haired woman wearing my Assuit panel skirt? Without further ado, questions and answers!

1.  What did you do in 2011 that you’ve never done before?


Well, that's an easy one. I danced every day!


2. Did you keep your belly dance new year’s resolutions, and will you have any this year?


See above about dancing every day! I don't really "do" New Year's resolutions, but we had to set some for Anaya Tribe. Mine is to stretch every day, especially my problem areas, and to be raised to Level 3 in Anaya Tribe.


3. Did you introduce a newbie to belly dance?


I don't think so, not in 2011.


4.  What travels did you take, and did you involve belly dance in them?


As usual I went to NY and NJ to visit my in-laws. I kept up my daily dance practice but otherwise there was not really any dancing involved.


5. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?


Perfect health!


6.  What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?


January 1st and December 31st, as they mark the beginning and end of my year of practice. I'm not really good with dates otherwise.


7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


Besides the year of practice, getting into Anaya Tribe was big for me!


8. What was your biggest failure?


Not working on back bends at all.


9. Did you suffer illness or injury?


SO MANY COLDS! And that mystery rash in July. But I shouldn't complain, since I didn't have any major health issues.


10. What was the best thing you bought?


Wow. That's a tough one. I buy a lot of stuff, and I'm fond of saying "This is the best $X I ever spent!" I guess for non-physical purchases, definitely the Deb Rubin workshops. As far as actual STUFF goes, I don't think I could choose just one thing.


11. What did you get really excited about?


Veils! I love them so much and I love dancing with them and people love to watch me dance with them.


12. What do you wish you’d done more of?


Stretching. I feel like I am too young to be so tight. Also I wish I'd spent more time learning from my DVD collection.


13. What do you wish you’d done less of?


Being lazy, procrastinating, and making excuses.


14.  What seemed to get in the way of your belly dancing?


Colds and laziness.


15. What was your favorite music from this year?


The new Azam Ali album was pretty good, otherwise I'm not sure I listened to a lot of NEW music. Discovered lots of good older stuff I'd never heard, though. The cover of "Ring of Fire" that I did my veil solo to was definitely my favorite.


16. What did you do on your birthday?


My husband took me out for the nicest steak dinner of my life!


17. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 


Going to Tribal Fest with all the cool kids!


18. How would you describe your belly dance style in 2011?


Still growing and taking shape.


19. What were the major influences on your belly dance journey in 2011?


Taking the Mira Mania workshops really gave me a kick-start when I was starting to doubt myself. Fonda's classes helped me branch out into more props and get more involved in my local community. Jolie's classes started rounding me out as a dancer.


Dilara left her list at 19 because she likes prime numbers, but I like round numbers so I need to add another one...


20. Best thing about being a dancer in 2011?


Getting the chance to watch so many other dancers, from amateurs to the top-name pros, perform. I saw so many amazing performances this year that totally inspired me!