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Thrilled to have two articles featured in the Belly Dance Chronicles! One is a spotlight on The Radiant Tarot and the other is a journalistic style essay about The Sahlala Dancers! Grateful for everyone to involve me in their programs! Last minute promo for ya! Thrilled to be back at Sofia's Greek Bistro!!!
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I have been trying to carve out time to be thoughtful and poised about 2022 - it was an incredible year for me in many ways. I've been meaning to compile some highlights, reflect on the lowlights, and set some good intentions... but I am still digesting the enormity of this year in many ways. Also, I want to keep some things close to my heart as they bud and grow!
I will share my words for 2023: opportunity and abundance. I want to seize the opportunities that have already been presented and open myself up to more possibilities in 2023. I am ready for aggressive growth- my favorite modality to grow. For the last few years, I have practiced healing and gentleness, which was more difficult than my usual tactics, including humor and funny dances to shield myself from big feelings. The comedy and funny dances will stay, but they too will be a part of my aggressive growth - it's time to fertilize the laurels I have been resting on. I'm taking you with me... because there is enough room for all of us in 2023 to THRIVE! I have two significant stimuli for this 2023 intention. The first stimulus is the other side of my life, my nonprofit/activist career, that I want to balance with my artistic practice. The next stimulus is the HUGE project I've mentioned several times on my socials and in this blog, which is... ​The Radiant Tarot Invaders of the Heart 2023: The Radiant Tarot
Myra Krien presented this idea to Starbelly many moons ago, and we've been FULL THROTTLE since creating this year's iteration of Invaders of the Heart (Myra's annual theatrical show in Santa Fe, New Mexico). Myra is teaming up with artists all across history, time, geography, and space to create The Radiant Tarot, which is slated to be a masterpiece. This highly ambitious show will tour the US and Mexico, and I couldn't be more honored to be a part of it. ​
Most of the cast will portray several characters from the Tarot throughout the show, but I will be playing only one: The Fool. In many ways, this is the leading role for this show, and I am BEYOND honored to embody this archetype. I have always seen myself in card number zero, traversing endings/beginnings and not quite having a place but still exuding wonder at the process. The process is the key to this role - I see myself as the embodiment of the audience's eye, the vehicle which translates the arcane knowledge within the tarot deck. That said, there is only one easy way to prepare besides general practice, practice, practice. ...and so I am! To prepare for this role, I've doubled down on my raks sharki practice (I've done SO MANY private lessons, guys), I try to take drop-in Ballet classes through Ballet Idaho, I've started a course of qi gong, redoubled my practice of meditation and mindfulness, and I'M TAKING A PANTOMIME INTENSIVE (this has been a dream of mine for over a decade, and I'm finally doing it)! I'm extending my practice of floorwork to improve my strength, and I'm exercising in a meaningful way... which tells you everything you need to know about how seriously I am training for this role. With a few exceptions, I will be able to prepare for my part once the curtain opens. Yes, there will be some dances I learn and practice, but for the most part, I just have to be present... and for a few hours. If you've ever practiced presence, you know how difficult this is to maintain - I hope my training will be enough! With that being said, here is some ACTUAL information about this show. I got the honor of being the cover girl for the poster, where I embodied the Hierophant Card, beautifully painted by Alexandra. NOTE: The link below is for the Boise showing of The Radiant Tarot - I'll post more links soon! 
Doors open at 7 pm
$25 in advance - $30 at the door 21+ VALID ID REQUIRED get tix at https://radianttarot.eventbrite.com ------------------- For the 13th annual Big Bad-Ass Belly Dance Show, Starbelly has the honor of hosting the premier of the multimedia internationally touring dance experience The Radiant Tarot. The magic of tarot cards is not within the cards themselves, but in the stories they reveal about our lives. Invaders of the Heart 2023: The Radiant Tarot is your life brought to life through lush imagery and powerful, theatrical dance. Directed and produced by internationally renowned dance artist Myra Krien, this performance is a dance interpretation of the tarot deck The Radiant Tarot: Pathway to Creativity, illustrated by Alexandria Eldridge and authored by Tony Barnstone. Follow the Fool in an opulent journey from innocence to experience through the rich landscape of The Radiant Tarot, featuring Mosaic Dance Company, Cecilia Rinn and the Starbelly Dancers (Chad Rinn, Tori King, Bayla Night, Cassandra Joan, & Alyssa Kimm), and Drake Von Trapp. Do not miss this opportunity to witness the beautiful and mystical stories that give life meaning. Invaders of the Heart 2023: The Radiant Tarot has two showings: Friday night February 24th at 9-11pm (doors open at 7pm) and Saturday February 25th at 9-11pm at the Visual Arts Collective in Garden City. $25 in advance & $30 at the door. 21+. Doors open at 7pm, with an opportunity to get 15 min tarot readings, from local readers, and Q & A session with director Myra Krien, author Tony Barnstone, and artist Alexandra Eldgridge, who will also have original paintings and tarot decks available for purchase. For additional information, please go https://ceciliabellydance.com or contact Cecilia at (208) 891-6609 FAQs What's the refund policy? Tickets refund requests must be received 24 hours before doors open. Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? 21+ VALID ID REQUIRED * This show is a general admission seated show Other things!
I had a FABULOUS time dancing with the Sahlala Dancers on New Years' Eve - Jill was a tremendous host, and I missed all of my beautiful dancing BABES! I would love to see these gigs manifest in Boise - and I think they will! I know that all of yolove dance, so let's make a point to dance even more this year!
One gig that I continue to LOVE is dancing every first Saturday at Taj Mahal of Boise! Be sure to stop by - the food, dance, and friends make it magical EVERY TIME! Finally, Starbelly is still working on it's own initiaves and one of the things I'm looking forward to is our Rak of Ages show this summer, which is supported through a grant by The City of Boise Department of Arts and History! More to come as this gig manifests! In the meanwhile, keep following me on Instagram for more timely updates on what is happening! Post below of some highlights from Taj Mahal last Saturday! ​Thank you for being my friends, and Happy New Year! Drink more water!
Merry Christmas Eve! Here is a little video of the Starbelly Holiday Extravaganza, which was incorporated into our show at the Sapphire Room!
I am NOT a fancy person, but I have acquired a fantastic group of people that help me stay put together in the many facets of my life. I feel a large shift in the consumer cosmos - either people will be soothing themselves with more goods than ever before, or the pandemic will encourage people to look deeper than Google searches and Amazon suggestions.
I decided to have a small part in the deeper search and compile a list that consists of my personal friends that are business owners, creators, or non-profits that make a huge difference. There is an image going around social media that basically says "Promote Your Friends" and this is my effort to do so! There is no way shape or form that I could put every person in my life on this list, because I believe that you ALL deserve special and extra care (and from ME), however, I am trying to share the organizations that continue to make an impact on my personally and are run by amazingly talented people. EDIT: No, I'm not sponsored. I'm flattered that you think people give me money for my opinions. Nope, I'm here doing this for FREE. COMMERCIAL BREAK: COME TO THE SHOW THIS THURSDAY!
Click on the image to get transported to where you can purchase tickets!
Boozes
Other organizations that I'd love to list but I'm not sure how you could support are our local venues! Be sure to tip your bartenders this holiday season and push in your chairs! The Idaho venues that have been amazing during my return to Boise are the Lounge at the End of the Universe, The Sapphire Room, and the Visual Arts Collective. Go to a show!
one more commercial breakI still have a few timeslots open for holiday cheer. CONTACT me to bring the dance to your private event!
October is always an exciting time of year for me. I feel more connected to my spiritual self and less tethered to this mortal plane. How this month has shaken out is a further manifestation of this pattern: I have either been looking ahead, looking behind, or tied to the present moment in magical and/or unexpected ways.
I'm typing this post from a coffee spot in Salt Lake City, Utah, which I last visited during the most challenging year of my life. I didn't expect to be here this week, but life demanded that I return to this city. Fall is a beautiful time of year, and in this mountainous town, surrounded by the explosion of colorful leaves, I am struck with the beauty of my life's journey since my difficult days. I believe that time isn't linear, and often when I feel that "everything is going to be alright," I suspect a version of me from the past/future/parallel present sends me good vibes. I hope past Tori feels all the love shining onto her, just like I feel the love she's shining onto me. Future Tori gets some love too! Blah blah blah, I've had a great month, ramping up for Hallowe'en - one of my favorite days! In honor of my lack of time, let's look into the past and future for the rest of this post! Santa Fe Excellence!
The first 10 days of October, Cecilia and I went to Santa Fe to build the foundation of The Radiant Tarot with Myra Krien and to celebrate her 60th birthday by dancing with the incredible (and I mean great) band, Sherefe.
When I say we packed this week full of hard work, I mean it. We spend hours reviewing Myra's repertoire, pulling costumes, and discussing intention and dancing. During this time, Myra maintained her usual class schedule, and I had the opportunity to absorb more of the beautiful totality of Myra's talent. Myra's skill speaks for itself in performance, production, costume creation, and teaching/mentorship - but how can all these things exist in one little lady?! With an assist from her fabulous right-hand person, Yeva, I believe that Myra can actually do anything she wants. Here are some highlights from social media!
Something else that was fun this week was taking part in a promotional photoshoot with Lili Alba, who is a model and a belly dancer, in addition to an ace photographer! The photoshoot took place at the beautiful studio of Alexandra Eldridge, the artist behind the Radiant Tarot (and my new obsession - she is gorgeous inside and out). It was a magical moment.​
Another thank you to the Idaho Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the arts for easing our way into this week! ​
If you would like to learn more about The Radiant Tarot and assist in the creation of this international event, please click on the link below!
Once we wrapped up our goals surrounding The Radiant Tarot, it was time to meet and dance with Sherefe. I could write a LONG essay about every individual person in that band - this is the definition of a supergroup. In addition to the general musical GENIOUS, they are all individually wonderful, friendly, talented, and funny. I'm an obsessed fan! This is a clip of me dinking around during our dress rehearsal (which was SO MUCH FUN)!
Looking Forward to Events
I've been a bit sloppy about sharing my dance adventures on this website, but I am more active on Instagram! For the most up-to-date information, please join me on Insta. On a fun note, I'm trying out this Tik Tok thing... I feel ancient! Here are some links!
With all of that said, I'd love to see you at some of my up and coming public performances!
Join the Starbelly Dancers at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 25th, during the St. Alphonsus Festival of Trees!
From the Saint Al's Website...
For 38 years, the Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees has kicked off the holiday season in the Treasure Valley. The holiday season is a time for coming together to celebrate and revel in tradition. It is also a time for thinking of others and giving of ourselves. We are excited to bring back the magic of the Festival of Trees in 2022. Mark your calendars for November 22 (Gala), November 23-27 (General Exhibition), and November 28 (Fashion Show.) Let's celebrate! ​ 100% of net proceeds from the 2022 Festival of Trees will fund priority capital projects at Saint Alphonsus with a focus on our new Neuro Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit, the FIRST and ONLY critical care unit in Idaho that has board-certified and fellowship-trained neurocritical care physicians. Patients in our region will receive the most advanced life-saving care in our community. Event Alert - Our Glorious Return to the Sapphire ROom!
The Starbelly Dancers are returning to the Sapphire Room just in time to celebrate the holidays! Join us for The Art of Belly Dance: Bring on the Cheer! We cannot wait to beguile you with beauteous belly dancing and surprises from a few of our friends in the community. Haven’t been to a belly dance show before? Get ready to be inspired by Middle Eastern culture, entertained by nationally acclaimed performers, and to cheer aloud in one of the most gorgeous venues in the Treasure Valley (with a full bar and delicious seasonal menu). December 1st could be another Thursday for you, or it could be the beginning of a new holiday tradition. We can’t wait to dance with you!
The Starbelly Dancers are nationally recognized belly dance artists from Boise, Idaho under the artistic direction of Cecilia Rinn. Specializing in traditional, modern, fusion and theatrical raks sharki, or belly dance, they are available to entertain at family-friendly celebrations, festivals, and main stage events across the nation. Collectively, the Starbelly Dancers have been granted awards by organizations such as The Alexa Rose Foundation, Boise City Department of Arts and History, The Idaho Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts and have been seen at events such as Boise Music Week, Treefort Music Festival, and even on Telemundo. Catch the Starbelly Dancers in a city near you during the 2023 international touring production, The Radiant Tarot. Find out more about this dance company by visiting ceciliabellydance.com. ​ Join us for dinner and drinks ! The Sapphire Room features a full food and bar menu with table-side service. With the purchase of a ticket, Sapphire guests are eligible for The Riverside Hotel's "Sapphire Getaway" for $169 + tax. Includes a standard hotel room (double occupancy) and breakfast for two the following morning. To reserve, please call 208-331-4931. Sapphire Getaway rate subject to availability. The Sapphire Room is all-ages and family friendly. Every person that enters must have a ticket. No babes in arms. FREE and convenient parking. Please note that general seats may have a partially obstructed view. Many tables are at bar height. Guests requiring lower seating will be most comfortable at tables 11 - 49. Guests requiring ADA accessible seating will be most comfortable at the following tables: 35, 36, 37, 38, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49. For questions about accessible seating, please call 208-343-1871 or email music@riversideboise.com. 100% refunds are available until 24 hours before the event. Refunds cannot be processed after the event occurs for any reason. September was a whirlwind of events in Boise! If you follow my Instagram, you know that it was non stop for a few weeks there. Looking into the rest of the year, outside of a brief intensive in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I'm looking to cool down the public events... for now! I am booking dates far into 2023 and now is a wonderful time to book me for your Holiday parties! Yes, it is weird to be saying this in SEPTEMBER, but now is the time to secure your spot on the list. I am happy to teach mini lessons, spice up an event, or even do you make-up for a special date. Let's chat so we can dance dance dance! SPECIAL AMAZING INCREDIBLE THANK YOUS!!!!Partnering with Starbelly School of Dance, Mosaic Dance Company, and several amazing artists, I have been honored to be a part of events and projects that have been awarded grants from our amazing Idaho Arts allies!  Thank you to @boiseartsandhistory for supporting Starbelly during the 2022-2023 grant cycle! You have truly enriched our community through supporting the arts - we are so grateful! Keep an eye out for announcements about our ✨ Raq of Ages ✨ project, which is an effort near and dear to our hearts!
I just received the wonderful news that I've been awarded a grant to aid in the funding of a week long intensive in #santafe to build ✨The Radiant Tarot✨ Show with @ceciliarinn and led by @myramosaic. The show is set to tour all over the country and internationally in 2023! It is amazing organizations like @artsidaho and @neaarts that make it possible to create the sort of art that makes your heart sing. Thank you thank you thank you - I believe that the energy and intent we will put into this show can help heal our world and inspire all of us fools to complete a life changing journey. PS: We still need your help to ease the creation and touring of this show! Please click on the link below and donate to the @gofundme campaign for The Radiant Tarot - there is more information about what is in store and of course images of the inspirational art by @alexandraeldridge8! Awesome events for love, friendship, and DANCEI have been so lucky to join The Starbelly Dancers and Starbelly School of Dance in so many events in September. In addition to private gigs and restaurant dancing, I have been able to be a part of some beautiful community events.
Thank you to @meridianarts for having us at your inaugural #Communityartweek! We had a blast! Special thank you to Matthew Vorhies for providing the awesome live music.
 The day after Cecilia and I returned from dancing at Saffron Indian Cuisine in Ketchum (watch for videos up on my Insta), the Starbelly Dancers had an awesome photoshoot with the tremendous Keela and Matt Cooper! Check out their websites for their work and keep your eyes peeled for some awesome new promotional photos! www.MattCooper.photography www.KeelaCooper.com On to the next thingI am getting ready for the intensive deep dive into The Radiant Tarot in Santa Fe during the first week of October! I am so excited to spend time focused on the creation of art and helping Myra finalize this ambitious show. I'll be posting even more information as we get closer to the world premier in Boise, Idaho! While I'm in Santa Fe, Myra has created this AMAZZZIINNGGG event in honor of her 60th birthday!!!  If you're in Santa Fe and love life music, delicious dance, and Myra please join us for this event! Seating is extraordinarily limited! Click on the button below for more information!
If you look at my front page you'll notice some sweet events coming up! Here are some graphics and a nice ol' list for your convenience!  ***EDITS: More information about specific times will be announced as I receive it!***
 From Myra about Dances in the Tent of Rubies.
"To celebrate my 60th birthday, I am hosting an early birthday party on Saturday, October 8th with the incredible, amazing, never-to-be-missed, extraordinary music makers--SHEREFE!! This dance concert will be held at The Railyard Performance Center at 7pm, tickets $25. This concert will be followed by an afterparty at Pomegranate Studios. Seats are very limited, so please get your tickets early. I want to party and celebrate WITH YOU!" Honestly, I'd love to do a series of posts about how much fun I have and how grateful I am to all of the tremendous women that have given me the opportunity to perform and thrive, but right now I feel like sharing some resources for you to donate time/money/energy to causes that support a women's rights. My world isn't possible unless women have bodily autonomy and equitable opportunities. Yours isn't either.
If you can't relate, simply ask a woman that you love about her stories about what has happened to her. If you have no women that you love... 
I have a few new workshops added to the menu! They arise from the completion of my MFA but also where my interests are currently aligning! In lieu of adding my hat to the ocean of "beginner belly dance" lessons, I am trying something a bit different. How do we express our individual artistry? What is our body telling us through dance? What are the experiences that make us grow? These questions are the ones I want to explore!
I have lead these workshops for all sorts of dance styles and now I'm offering them up as option on my webpage. Have a look and if these are interesting, I'd love to hear from you! I have open dates towards the end of 2022 into 2023! As always, I want to ensure that you receive the teaching you want and deserve... even if it's not from me. Let's chat - let's play - let's dance! New workshops!
CHOREOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS/ WORKSHOP/ EXPLORATION
Are you struggling to find your choreographic voice? Do you have a work that you'd like a second set of eyes on? Are you curious about different choreographic processes? With decades of experience and a master's degree in choreography, Tori is ready to offer you the insights you and/or your troupe need to take your choreography and choreographic practice to the next level. This workshop can be done virtually. DANCE INTENSIVE You have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it! Be it learning new styles, honing in on your dances, creating a show from scratch, or having an unforgettable dance experience with your friends, Tori is ready to lead you on a journey! This style of workshop is usually over a week, a weekend, or a series of extended virtual meetings. Tori can offer extended versions of the workshops listed here or something special just for you and your dance cohort. IMPROVISATION - SAY YES! Incorporating her experience with theatrical improvisation and dance improvisation, you've never taken a dance workshop like this one! Expect games, belly laughs, and to surprise yourself with inspiration. This workshop can be done virtually. The Birth of Venus Promo
In one month I'm headed to Santa Fe to be a part of this show produced by Myra Krien and the beauteous Mosaic Dance Company. Live you'll see the return of the Minotaur and I also get to pull on @ceciliarinn 's hair HAHAHAHA! Online you'll see the fabulous film created in Hawaii filmed and edited by @itry2dream, who is a filmmaker/artist to watch!
--- Join us for our 24th annual big show! Invaders of the Heart 2022: The Birth of Venus! Through archetype, myth and story this show explores the divine feminine in her many facets. Coming to you this June! Not in Santa Fe? There's a virtual performance option as well! House of Secrets Online
The Starbelly Dancers invite you on a journey through the secret corridors of the human spirit. House of Secrets brings together mythology, narrative, and innovative artistry to shine light upon the monsters that haunt us in the darkness… all through belly dance!
House of Secrets features the Treasure Valley’s premier belly dance artists, The Starbelly Dancers, led by directors Cecilia and Chad Rinn, featuring Bayla Night and Cassandra Joan – and of course “Starbelly West” with Alyssa Kimm (Portland, OR) and Creative Director Tori King (Los Angeles, CA). Original and World Premier Music has been created by Matthew Vorhies (Boise, ID), Erik Messal (Albuquerque, NM), Sean Daly (Portland, OR), and Fleet Street Klezmer Band and Safar (Spokane, WA). Chad Rinn did the art and editing to make the video of the show a new and great experience! Make it a point to enter the House of Secrets. Who knows what you will discover? Other Things
As the photos from #HouseofSecrets are getting released, I wanted to take a minute to talk about the piece that held the most magic (for me) on stage. I had a lot of favorite moments in the show, but creating the Inner Child Dance with @cassandrajoandance was deeply, deeply meaningful. The piece was based in part on Inner Child/Somatic Therapy and Mindfulness, but really it was inspired by Cassandra herself - she inspires me greatly with her insight, eloquence, and courage. The premise we created was simple, I clung to Cassandra as an expression of the Inner Child who the adult encourages to find peace. Through this simplicity, I felt like I could hear into Cassandra's body and I felt the inner children of several audience members breathe with us as we left a part of our hearts on the stage. Are you guys interested in more #bts thoughts from the show with the rest of the crew from @starbellydanceschool?
. Pic @bebmomentsintime Costumes @starbellycreations Lights @fragmentchaz Venue @vacuber
This achievement is only possible thanks to an incredible collection of SHEroes. Thank you to Professor Christina Teague-Mann for continuously encouraging me to dig deeper while insisting upon the importance of specificity. I'm in awe of your time management skills! I am so appreciative of the Dance Department at Jacksonville University for continued guidance and inspiration, with a special nod to Professor Claribel Torres-Lugo for being the “closer” for the IRB process. Thank you to my thesis committee, Kelli Brown, Miranda Drake, and Myra Krien for sharing your intellect, artistry, and tenacity during this process. I asked you three to be a part of it because of your unique talents, incredible artistry, and also because I have devastating love for each of you. You all pulled me through difficult moments by just being your INCREDIBLE selves. Thank you! To all the participants of my research, everyone involved in Starbelly Presents: The House of Secrets, and the Starbelly Dancers: Bailey, Cassandra, Alyssa, Chad and especially Cecilia: thank you for sharing your hearts, minds, and talent. I truly believe that together we manifested the energy the world so desperately needs during these important times. You all are special and essential individuals. Cecilia you changed my entire life! Through thick, thin, confusing, and enlightening – I want to especially acknowledge the Jacksonville University MFA Choreography Cohort of 2022. We facking rock. It was incredible to see some of you in 3D - It was surreal!!! Thank you to my beloved family and friends who held space for me, checked in on me, and sent snacks. I have endless gratitude to my in-laws, Janet and Gary Benoit, and of course the guy I married. He goes by Andy. I love him lots.
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AuthorTori King is a belly dance artist, culture enthusiast and general weirdo. Is this a good biography? Do you like me yet? :-) Archives
January 2023
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