Thank you! Thank you for making the grand re-opening of Fiesta DanceN’ Fitness and fundraiser for the Davis School Arts Foundation a success! We had a great turn out and hope you all come back for more world dance fitness and fun! FDF Belly Dance Classes: All level technique: Wednesdays 8:30-9:20pm Int/Adv Troupe Choreography: Tuesdays 9:00-9:50pm Now that the weather is getting colder, please keep sweaters/jackets on if you need to at the beginning of class until you are warmed up. Also socks are a good idea for cold feet, but please no street shoes! New Belly Dance Blog! Traveling over the holidays? I decided writing out belly dance stories and life lessons was too much for a monthly newsletter so I started a belly dance blog. The first post covers how to practice belly dance undetected when traveling on a plane, bus, etc. So before you head off for grandma’s for Thanksgiving, give it a read. I’ll try to remember to include new blog posts in the newsletters, but better “follow” the blog in case I forget. http://www.nylacrystal.com
/blog Blog Topic Suggestions I have the next couple of topics planned out, but I am interested in hearing about what you want to read about! After all, I am writing this for you! What are you curious about? It can be anything from belly dance movement tips to show preparation to Middle Eastern music to historical information… Shoot me an email at nyla@nylacrystal.com with your requests! Are you remembering to tuck your tailbone? I know I say this for almost the entire 50 minutes of class, but it is so important to keep you back straight in belly dance. But why stop good posture when you leave belly dance class? Is your tail bone tucked right now? Even if you are sitting, take some time to tuck that tailbone and sit up straight. It may seem like more work to sit up, but when you wake up in the morning with a sore lower back, it will be much more work to undo the damage! Easy Middle Eastern Recipe of the Month mmmm Falafel. Delicious crunchy warm falafel! Wondering what to bring to your holiday potluck? Falafels are fairly easy to make and full of chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander and cumin flavor. - 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons flour
Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mash into thick paste. Make small ping pong ball sized patties. Fry in 2″ of oil until browned (2-5 minutes) Or bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees turning over patties halfway through. Short on time? Head on down to your local market and in the Kosher section should be at least one type of boxed falafel mix. Near East is one type. Follow instructions on the box, but generally they are to add an amount of water, stir and form falafel patties. They can either be fried in oil or baked. Serve with tahini sauce (also on Kosher section), hummus or cucumber yogurt (mix finely chopped cucumbers and garlic into plain yogurt). | 
