The tomb of King SenebKay (Circa 1650BC)* was discovered in January 2014, and prior to this there had been no record of this King of the Second Intermediate period.

Further to this, archaeologists believe his burial site is just part of a necropolis of a forgotten Dynasty in Abydos, yet to be exhumed.

However it is the recent results of the forensic examination on his skeleton, revealing shocking insights into his most brutal death, that have lead scholars to hypothesise that King SenebKay may have fought against the Hyskos during the second intermediate period (Dynasties 13 to 17).  This premise is significant as previously it has been thought that King Senakhtenre was probably the first to take arms against the Hyskos.  Although Senakhtenre was also unsuccessful in his quest to regain upper Egypt,  his attempts (and those of his successor, Seqenenre Tao 11 ‘The Brave’) are believed to have inspired his grandson’s Kamose and Ahmose to also take up arms, but it was Ahmose who finally succeeded in reunifying Upper and Lower Egypt.

This great and significant victory by Ahmose 1 began the golden age of the Egyptian Empire.

Here is a link to further information on not just the lost King SenebKay, but on the possible discovery of a whole lost Dynasty!   http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/science-senebkay-pharaoh-ancient-egypt-01698.html

Follow the link below for more information on King SenebKay’s forensic report.    http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.nl/2015/02/american-egyptologists-prove-pharaoh.html 

……  All elements of your life will be positively enhanced (yes….really!!)

….but don’t take my word for it – just follow the link to the testimonials………. http://www.eed.com.au/page/dance/testimonials/index.html

This five week course is your opportunity to explore an elegant, engaging and accessible dance form at foundation level with other beginner students

The class will commence with flexibility and strengthening exercises.  Each week a new movement/ rhythmic element will be introduced while we work on postural alignment and the two elemental dance movement principles.  The benefits of these classes are myriad and cumulative, the longer you stay the more you transform!

Please indicate your preferred time/day in your reply:

Tuesday 24^th Feb 6.30 p.m. till 7.30pm

Thursday 26^th Feb 6.30 p.m. till 7.30 p.m.

If you cannot make either of these times/days, please let me know what other times/days might be suitable for you

LOCATION:      Brighton area, (address given at time of booking) 5 minute walk from Gardenvale Train Station (Sandringham Line).  Plenty of parking available, buses also run within walking distance. 

               Follow this link for services and timetable:  http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/timetables/  

Perhaps you would like to take advantage of the economy of the full block payment, but worried you might not like it?  No problem….For the Introductory Course the first class may be attended as a casual payment ($30) with the balance of the course being payable on the second week ($95.00), should you choose to continue.

Please bring/wear:  Yoga mat or towel, water, and attire appropriate for yoga.  I look forward to meeting you…Yours in dance, health and joy      Juliet

Yesterday my partner and I went to see ‘Exodus’.. and despite the fact the script was appalling and any attention to facts and timeline non-existent, (i.e. Abu Simbel existing during the time of Sety 1st among other cliche clangers!) – I sat pretty much enthralled through the whole thing, which only proves how desperate I am for anything vaguely pertaining to ancient Egypt.

There were some interesting character interpretations from the main players, but as fine a talent as Joel Edgerton is – and he really is – the true tragedy of this film was in his casting as Rameses 11 – (you would think they could find a tall, athletic redhead in Hollywood who is truly omnipotent?- Nicole Kidman with the pharonic beard would have been interesting). I thought Christian Bale a handsome Moses, but perhaps a little overwhelmed with the enormity and weight of it all… There was a stand out performance from Ben Mendelsohn as a corrupt political astute, slithering his way to the top of the pyramid.

Speaking of colour, or lack thereof, what was the sepia blue hue throughout most of the film? I felt like I was straining to see through a dark blue veil. Perhaps it was and analogy for the darker aspects of Rameses mind, here characterised here as a kind of ancient Darth Vader. However the lack of colour was particularly perplexing, due to the fact that for ancient Egyptians, colour held significance in ritual and in daily life.

The script was constructed using very broad strokes over the biblical timeline with just not enough depth to the characters and their day to day life and struggles - (most walk on and off as though they have wondered in from a neighbouring film set looking for lunch)….when there was any meaningful dialogue between these ancient peeps it was reminiscent of a child’s pantomime…albeit of The Brothers Grimm persuasion.

The ‘sets’ were mostly computer generated, but even with all that technology it was visually still largely disappointing. In terms of entertainment value, the original ‘Ten Commandments’ with Charlton Heston leaves this for dead, as does ‘The Egyptian’ with Victor Mature, (corny as these films may now appear, they are amazing productions when you consider they are nearly 60 years old, not to mention the extensive research and the fabulous production value offered at a time when majority of peeps would have accepted just about any visual interpretation as authentic).

My partner fell asleep, which was merciful, as he would have complained even more if he had endured the full 150 minutes. I watched every little moment and because I am such a desperate, I will no doubt watch it again – and probably end up buying the DVD….A sorry bit of something one loves IS better than nothing at all – it would seem.

It wasn’t quite as painful as watching our Molly Meldrum ‘Dance like an Egyptian’ on ‘Dancing with the Stars’….but very close.

In Summary: For anybody under 25, Or for the desperate diehards who loved Sunday afternoon watching ‘Epic Theater, Sand and Sandals’ as kids – (me). Or those who feel undressed without a trowel in their back pocket..(me again) Or for those who just want to escape….a lot! – (o.k. me again!) ? Juliet Le Page Dec 8th 2014

If you haven’t yet been introduced to Nawal El Saadawi, then I invite you to listen to one of the most forward, free thinking and courageous women of our time.  Despite a prison sentence, threats to her life and all manner of interference,  she continues to write and lecture.   In the links below, Nawal inspires and encourages women and men everywhere to determine and improve their own fate through the use of the creative mind, as opposed to a mind bound by the dogma of religion or the paradigms of our educational disciplines.

Nawal El Saadawi – “Creativity, Women, Dissidence” – Part 1/3     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR1bm7eOgL8

Nawal El Saadawi – “Creativity, Women, Dissidence” Part 2/3   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsVxJuXTsGc

Nawal El Saadawi – “Creativity, Women, Dissidence” Part 3/3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmYZSTv_33M

Each week I teach classes back to back – sometimes up to 4 1/2  hours without a real break.  Needless to say I need more than water to keep me going.   I needed something low GI,  low in bad fats, low in added sugar, but high in antioxidants and in flavour, that didn’t bloat or heaviness, I needed to feel sated, focused and energised.  For a while I was using various protein bars but in truth, they failed the ingredients test in one way or another …then I came across this little wonder of a recipe on movenourishbelieve.com.   I am very happy to move away from manufactured/processed foods anytime, so I was more than ready to give this a test run….and it passed with flying colours!

Sustenance Extraordinaire! Enjoy from Juliet! x

Cacao (not Cocoa! see below) Chocolate Cranberry Bar

• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 5 medjool dates*
• 1/3 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1/2 cup cacao powder*
• 2 tbsp. boiling water*

1. Place almonds and oats in food processor and blend until a coarse crumb.
2. Add cacao powder, cranberries, and dates and blend again.
3. While blending, add the boiling water, slowly, until the mixture becomes well incorporated.
4. Press the dough into a lined slice tin and place in the fridge for 1/2 hours before slicing into bars.

*I have made this many times now, and thought I should share some of my preparation experience:

•  firstly I have a little hand held processor, not a large heavy duty one…so I had to do the recipe in two batches dividing the ingredients by half.
• If you do not have medjool dates and you are using ordinary dates, then you will need a few more.  I have been using 8 of the smaller dates (4 each batch).
• When seeking out your dried cranberries, make sure they are not sweetened with added sugar.  If you cannot get unsweetened, get the ones that are sweetened with juice concentrate, not cane sugar.
• Also I found I needed more water than the recipe advises, even before I added extra cacao.  I have used up to 1/4 cup or more in each 1/2 batch….when you are beginning try according to the recipe, blend and if it is too dry and ‘cakey’ add a little more and so on.  You do not want it to be too moist – so go slow here till you get your ‘stripes’.
• And lastly I found that little bite size nuggety pieces worked better for me, rather than a bar size, which the original recipe describes.  I waste less… and therefore it  goes further.  I can just take two pieces or more at a time, depending I whether I have one hour ahead to two or more……..
• Also it is wonderful to share ‘a jewel’ with students when they have worked hard!

Benefits of Cacao:

Aids in weight loss; Promotes healthy skin; High in Anitoxidants; Mood Enhancing; Provides Essential Vitamins and Minerals; Improves Brain Function; Quells Headaches; Promotes heart health; Aphrodisiac

The soul of a poet, the heart of a lion, the spirit for dance….are you ready to take flight in 2014?  Every year we make promises about what we are going to do..but more often than not, we don’t seem to navigate our way out of the fog.  So why not make this the DARING DO year?

I have been dancing now for 45 years. This year will be my 46^th, and for half that time I have been teaching…so what has kept me engaged on this ever demanding, (sometimes overwhelming) journey for so long?  After all it is a fact generally well acknowledged that dance is one of the toughest and most punishing of the arts….

Rarely is there one reason for a commitment, but the crux, (as it has oft times been expressed by our wisest forebears) is this little gem – nothing comes easy that is truly worth having   :)  When I feel like throwing it in I am immediately reminded of what I will be leaving behind…now that is a quick fix turn around!

Which leads me to the point of this post – if you are coming to dance for transformation, (and let’s face it – what are you expecting if not some level of change? – whether that change be a clear personal goal, or something more allusively expansive) – be prepared to discover and leave fantasy behind for a while, so we can begin to work from a space of truth……  Are you ready to do that?

Because if you are, let me assure you of this – an amazing new world will open for you, something that won’t go away the minute you blink – something that will stay with you for the rest of your life and transform your waking days……  And it won’t be an illusion or a delusion – it will be your new reality – a reality more powerful, meaningful and beautiful than any fantasy.

Introductory Beginners courses will commence February/March 2014

“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called “truth.” ~Dan Rather

Disclaimer:  it is true that we occasionally use sticks  (called ‘Asiah’) in class when teaching Tuk Tib (a form of ancient martial combat) – but no-one actually ‘pokes’ anybody!  🙂

BALANCED ARCH

What is The Gyrokinesis Method? – A BACKGROUND

“I want music in my body and poetry in my body, and I want to be skilful without struggle; it has to come without struggle” – Juliu Horvath, GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® founder.

More than 30 years ago Juliu Horvath sustained a series of injuries that summarily ended his dance career.  As part of his convalescence he began taking yoga classes, then in 1977 he retreated to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands for extensive exploration and research into yoga and the body.

During this period he developed a training system he initially referred to as ‘yoga for dancers’, which over time evolved into the The Gyrokinesis Method.

Just one of the many distinctive components of the Gyrokinesis system is the integration of eastern healing techniques, which are seamlessly assimilated into the exercise regime[1].

Far from being static or rigid, the Gyrokinesis method continues to evolve and Juliu’s initial motivation[2] has broadened to encompass his love of dance – in particular the sublime surrender of the holistically integrated body/mind/spirit to movement – with the impetus being pure emotion.  This is one reason dancers (and non-dancers) the world over are awakening to the benefits of Gyrokinesis exercise, whether it be as a conduit to dance, maintaining dance fitness, or simply to enjoy an holistic exercise system other than Yoga or Tai Chi.

As Juliu’s work has developed he has observed that once technique is acquired, and then combined with innate musicality, there is a space to create artistry – just as in dance.

Knowing the benefits of this connection, and how it can elude those without formal dance training, he set out to facilitate a similar experience for non-dancers.  Juliu also believes too much explanation of how this transformation may occur could in fact ‘inhibit or masque one’s own exploration, discovery and essential connection’……..

Following experimentation with various methods, including visualisation, analogies, breathing techniques and rhythm, he came to understand that not all people are innately musical – that some are unable to ‘hear’ their inner music or rhythm – and it was this realisation that inspired Juliu to create music specifically for Gyrokinesis exercises.  Through the use of music he hopes to initiate an experience once solely reserved for dancers and elite athletes – the sublime twilight between the technical/physical aspect and the spirit/soul – and….. yes, he has used the word ‘trance’ in this sense.  So here we have a continuation of the theme of Trance, which will be explored during the Tanzraum Summer Dance workshops in Belley later this year.

…  “the emotions will finally overpower the calculating mind…listen to the emotions listen to the music – it will guide you there – and then it is going to be life giving, it is nourishment”…

As dancers we already possess that special and innate relationship with music/rhythm – we already have an advantage…allez!

©Juliet Le Page 2013

The Gyrokinesis Method® Offers:

 Improved –

• core strength
• Initiation from core
• power/stability
• alignment
• range and freedom of spinal movement
• fluidity
• connection to earth
• integration of the esoteric/exoteric body
• clarity of form and intent
• awareness of nuanced balance (control and abandon)
• opens the heart space
• flexibility and strength
• agility/response
• co-ordination and proprioception
• dynamism
• joy and freedom of movement!
• musicality, lyricism

*GYROTONIC®, GYROTONIC® & Logo, GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® and GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic  Sales Corp and are used with their permission.

Here is a very special invitation to learn firsthand about ancient Egyptian dance.*

Dancers and musicians from the Old Kingdom:

‘If these walls could speak…’  Well apparently they do! Come and find out how Dr. Lesley Kinney (Macquarie University) has come to reconstruct several Ancient Egyptian Dances and bear witness as ancient dance comes to life!

Dr. Lesley Kinney will be in Melbourne for one fun filled afternoon of fascinating information, visual representation and participation.  She will explain and reveal the extant primary evidence that has inspired her reconstructions, along with demonstrations – and yes, you do get to participate in an ‘Absolutely Ancient Banquet Dance’, responsible for much hilarity at previous workshops.

No dance experience necessary – suitable for people who love to learn about Egypt, art, performance, dance, ancient history, archaeology, Egyptology, anthropology and drink tea/coffee/decaf/herbal beverages in a social environment, laugh and have fun!

The ’dance’ component only involves very simple steps that require absolutely no previous dance training – if clapping a rhythm is more to your liking that can be arranged!…and  before I forget… afternoon tea will be provided.

Saturday 26th January 2013 1.00pm to 4.00p.m in Brighton.  contact  juliet@eed.com.au

Bookings Essential - don’t miss out on this educational and entertaining afternoon, places are limited!  Contact email:    juliet@eed.com.au

* ‘Dance, Dancers and the Performance Cohort in the Old Kingdom’  BAR International Series 1809  2009

Ostracon from Deir el Medina - Dancer

A little more about Lesley Kinney:

Lesley Kinney’s dance company Absolutely Ancient performs reconstructions of Ancient Egyptian Dance based on the many pictures of dance recorded by Ancient Egyptian artists.  Lesley Kinney has a doctorate in Ancient Egyptian dance and performance and has  collected and examined the record of dance to ensure her reconstructions are authentic. She has a long list of publications on the topic of ancient Egyptian dance and has presented papers on the subject at conferences across the globe.

* ‘Dance, Dancers and the Performance Cohort in the Old Kingdom’  BAR International Series 1809  2008  The book and  C.d.’s will be available for purchase at the workshop.