Category: Uncategorized (Page 1 of 4)

Hey friends! It’s that time again for our February edition of “Who are the People on your Patreon?”. This month, I am over the moon to bring you Amanda “Daewen” Garion founder of the Stygian Collective who is a pioneer in creating an authentic online bellydance community for fusion dancers, metal lovers, creative types and beyond. She is also my dance bestie, so without further ado, I ‘m turning this over to Daewen to tell in her own words…

I started belly dance in 2012 after having surgery, and fell in love after one class. Quickly after, I started experimenting with fusing belly dance with the music that’s always moved me – metal. After finding more dancers that shared my fascination, I began teaching and performing locally… and now I do so worldwide, online and at festivals like Gothla Australia, Stone Soup in KC, Gothla Atlanta, Bayou Belly Festival in NOLA, and many more to come!

In the chaos of 2020, I founded the dark fusion dance community, the Stygian Collective, which allows dancers from all over the world to connect, share, and grow together in a unique, supportive, and collaborative online platform that feels like a true family. I believe everyone deserves a place to be themselves, and to dance to express themselves authentically. The Stygian Collective exists so I can help dancers achieve this by providing a community and learning platform that promotes inclusivity, creative freedom, self-expression, support, collaboration, and celebration of our bodies and art.

Stygian Dance offers instruction, community, and performance all rooted in our unique dark fusion style. Our Stygian Collective membership is an exclusive worldwide community of unique dancers who push the boundaries of dance, joined together to collaborate, inspire, learn, and grow! The goal of the Stygian Collective is to foster community, spark inspiration, and provide instruction and opportunities to all the dark, metal, or otherwise “weirdo” fusion dancers of the world.

Amanda is also a mom to two lovely girls, a devout Dungeons and Dragons player, a metalhead and Lord of the Lost fan. Want to learn more about Stygian and Daewen?

https://stygian.dance Social media platforms @stygiancollective or @daewendances https://www.youtube.com/@stygiancollective

My hot take:

In January of 2020 when Amanda asked me if I wanted to be a part of this idea of the Stygian Collective, I obviously said yes, but really had no idea how it would be come such an integral part of my life and what it would grow into. Fast forward 6 months and we were square in the middle of a pandemic. I had moved away to a new town with no community and no idea if I would ever have any kind of dance community again. The online (and later in person) community that is Stygian Collective really helped with my depression and feelings of isolation during the pandemic, I met some lifelong friends, made connections.

Once I moved back home after the pandemic it did not end, it was just the beginning. Daewen and I started working on dance collaborations together, helping her with the retreats, and performing, and it has been my pleasure to become friends with this fierce and kind woman who is one of the most driven, dedicated, and fun people I know as well as the entire Stygian Community of beautiful people. Thank you Amanda and Stygian, I am so grateful for you everyday!

Also I am an affiliate so if you feel called here is my affiliate link to check out all things Stygian: https://stygian.dance/stygiancollective?am_id=amiamor151

Want to be featured here, on my socials, blog, and in my newsletter? Simply fill out this google form. This offer is open to all my paid subscribers at any level of support. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyHXlriWM8bzsty92o4GCpWfjUsIECVisHteq7BmGeiMpzqw/viewform?usp=header

Hey friends, it’s time again for the next edition of who are the people on the Patreon and Ihave a real treat for you, Kelly C.! You may have seen her around at yoga, or on a hike, or crafting night. Kelly has been one of my dear friends and a yoga student of mine for at least 13 years! I was so elated when she filled out the interview form, enough about that, let’s learn about Kelly in her own words.

I started poling in 2014 because my big sister was one of Michelle Mynx’s OG students (like when she was teaching on a stage pole in a garage in Lafayette Square somewhere). I always felt awkward and uncomfortable dancing (especially if people could watch/see me) and I wanted to push myself and see if I could beat those feelings. Plus, I grew up in a conservative religious family and the sexy sensuality of pole really appealed to me after being raised with an over-emphasis on chastity and virginity.

I started drawing after I met my friend RJ in college and we were both very into graffiti at the time. I took one art class, but other than that I’m self-taught. I never got past anatomy / portraits because I love how interesting faces and bodies are, how the mood or expression can totally change with even the tiniest adjustment. I also especially love drawing distorted or weird faces because they’re beautiful to me and standard beauty ideals are really tiring and boring. I mostly work with inks, but have been dabbling with paints and other mediums lately too!

I’m a big introvert who needs to be kicked in the ass to go socialize sometimes (but I almost always have an amazing time once I am convinced to leave the house, lol). If I’m not drawing or dancing on a pole I’m probably reading (anything) or watching horror movies.

No website for me – but see the rest of you patrons around craft nights and hiking trips!

My hot take:

Kelly is a sheer delight, an honest to goodness great human, who will fight for the cause and stand up for the underdog, she is a believer in human rights and one of the most kind people I know. I had the provelage of seeing her perform on stage a couple weks ago and am always blown away by her grace and beauty, but also her ferocious strength. I have enjoyed teaching her many a yoga class, frolicking through the woods with her, and sharing years of friendship and look forward to many, many more.

Want to be featured on my Patreon, socials, and blog/newsletter? Simply fill out this form, this is open to all paid subscribers at any level. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyHXlriWM8bzsty92o4GCpWfjUsIECVisHteq7BmGeiMpzqw/viewform?usp=header

Hey friends! I am so excited to be bringing you the next installment of my Who are the people on your Patreon series where I virtually interview and highlight cool people and businesses who support my Patreon. This month we have a double header for you meaning, this creative owns a really cool, you could say RAD barbershop in St. Charles and has an up and coming band that is gaining momentum in the STL area and beyond… Let’s give it up for Jon of RAD Barbershop and Spicy Kitty.

RAD Barbershop is an open & affirming punk barbershop in the Frenchtown St. Charles area. In addition to traditional barbering services, some of our barber/ stylists do color, perms, longer hair & even nails. In addition to running this progressive barber shop, my wife and I started a band called Spicy Kitty. Spicy Kitty is a Riot Grrrl punk band.

I started this business because I didn’t want to work for anyone else. Then, I went back to school and got my barber license. While in school, a business for sale popped up and I jumped on it. Now I own a punk barber shop! 🤘🏼 My wife Kristen & I decided to start a punk band with some friends we met a few years back. After a few changes, we are now the riot grrrl punk band known as Spicy Kitty, ready to smash toxic masculinity, patriarchy, homo/transphobes & racists! 🤘🏼

I love the era of life I have found myself in…I have 3 adult kids and have been married for a little more than 2 yrs. I adore playing bass in Spicy Kitty with my wife & going to concerts with her. I’ve even started learning to play guitar. We enjoy road tripping together and going on vacations to haunted places; we even spent our honeymoon in Salem, MA in October one year. I read tarot and have been practicing witchcraft for a while. I am very intrigued with death practices and magic that surrounds it all. While I love learning from other people, DIY is my ethos.

You can find out more about RAD Barbershop and Spicy Kitty here:

www.radbarbershop.com

https://www.instagram.com/spicykittystl

My hot take:

I met Jon through his wife and one of my dear friend, Kristen. It was only natural that I would be in the wedding party. Which was honestly one of the coolest weddings, I have ever been in. Jon is truly creating something special and worthwhile over in the Frenchtown area, the group of lovely humans who work at his shop are really special. He really is creating a safe space for anyone who is marginalized. Jon is a person of integrity who dared to follow his dreams and succeed and truly I consider him a brother from another mother. I know that hair is not just hair for Jon and he acknowledges the trust that folx give him daily to trim their hair and shape the energy. I also love that they support local minority and LGBTQIA+ businesses.

If you want some Spicy Kitty in your life you will have multiple opportunities to see them in January and February 2026!

January 2, 2026 at CBGB in STL. 10$ at 8pm – they will be playing with the Lollybombs and Bitchface

January 21, 2026 at Heavy Anchor in STL 8pm – find all info here

February 27th at Heavy Anchor in STL – 8pm – Spicy Kitty, Sewer Urchin, Steel Wool Blanket – find all info here!

Want to be featured on my Patreon, socials and in my blog? Then just subscribe to my Patreon and get your booty in the queue to be featured by filling out the google form!

Hey friends! Welcome to our third installment of “Who are the People on your Patreon?” Thanks for joining us today.

Today, I’m introducing Amy (aka Amaranthe) who is a show producer, fusion bellydancer, and the director of Mystic Sands Bellydance Fusion in central Missouri.

Without further ado….

Amy of Mystic Sands (in her own words)

I started bellydance classes about 15 years ago and was hooked! I’ve always loved to dance and this form speaks to my soul.

Five years ago, our troupe leader moved away and asked me if I would take over. I did, and have been creating shows with Mystic Sands Bellydance Fusion ever since. We perform all over the state (and in Arkansas this fall!), mostly at outdoor festivals, and have shows that feature Vikings, pirates, witches and more.

I love the natural world and finding magic all around me. I enjoy hiking, camping, and water play. Time I can spend immersing myself in the elements is the best time. I’m lucky to live where I can see beauty every day.

I’m independent and like to do my own thing, but I also appreciate connections with those who share my passions.

My love for reading has led me into a new career path recently as Director of our local library district. I love what libraries offer to our communities and am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way.

I’m wife to my hero and mother to two amazing humans. We have a pile of cats amongst us, along with a few dogs and some chickens!

I absolutely love being part of Ami’s Patreon. I enjoy the online classes and in-person adventures! I also take advantage of the archives of yoga classes quite often!

Mystic Sands Bellydance Fusion on Facebook and Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JKnSDAifX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/mysticsandsbellydance?igsh=Y2RuMDRzbnM3OWFn

My hot take:

I met Amy prepandemic because the troupe as it was then, would dance at my shows at The Monocle; it wasn’t long after we became friends.

Amy is a creative force and fierce negotiator getting events to books the seamless and highly entertaining shows she produces. It has been a privilege and an honor to work with not just Amy, but the entire Mystic Sands troupe! I went to Renn Faire two weeks ago and I wa truly impressed with the variety, the flow, the skill, and the dancing that I witnessed at both shows I got to see!

Would you like to be featured one of these months? I know I would love to have you and would love to amplify you! Simply join my Patreon as a paid subscriber and fill out the form. I will put you in the queue to be featured first on my Patreon, then on my social media pages the week after and finally on my website blog at the very end of the month or very beginning.

Recently I found myself feeling overwhelmed, saying “yes” to too many things and people, and not honoring my own space and time. It kind of all came to a head the day of a show last weekend when I had a panic attack that lasted pretty much almost 24 hrs. Anxiety set in and my tummy was in knots, my chest was tight and a lump in my throat. I was shaky and completely unsteady on my feet. As soon as the show was over, I felt worse then woke up the next day feeling great honestly. In retrospect, I should have probably canceled doing the show. My body was not happy with me, but I hate backing out of obligations especially when I truly was looking forward to the show.

March is always a difficult month for me. With the anniversary of Anthony’s death, it truly is the Ides of March. Also my allergies have really been awful this year with unpredictable sneezing and coughing and red, itchy eyes. I’m also dealing with some changes in my body that I haven’t yet figured the work around with performing and such.

Which led me to taking a break from performing for a couple months. I had to back out of two shows Amber Adelaide’s Curious Cabaret and Bibi Dazzle’s Velvet Hour. You should absolutely go and support these shows. I’ve been running amuck the past 6 weeks doing several shows and performances but haven’t had the time and space and energy to refine and work with my body as it is now with this knee issue. It’s incredibly frustrating, but it’s also incredibly fixable with some physical therapy and learning how to move in new ways. And it’s about preventative self care. Knowing when enough is enough before reaching the point of physical, emotional and mental burnout.

I felt guilty, at first, for canceling on these amazing shows, feeling bad about myself, etc. However, the producers were not only really fucking cool about it, they actually gave a damn and we’re totally understanding . Yep. And I gave a damn about my mental health and physical health and chose to put that first right now. I am so glad I did and I am so grateful for the community and friends I have.

In the meantime, I have to get ready for my first Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Columbus, OH and Indy – both in April. I am focusing my energy on growing my community on Patreon by continuing to organize hikes, cemetery crawls and monthly challenges. All the while I have implemented a nightly self care ritual for myself (we’ll talk more about that next time). Should you be feeling the need for some self care I am giving you free access to this stress relieving guided breath work video I made after my trip to Peru last fall. I think you’ll find the 4/7/8 breath to be calming as fuck and if nothing else the video footage is refreshing as nature is healing.

Speaking of self care, I am excited to be collaborating with Amber Skye and Daewen of The Stygian Collective this July for a day long mini self care self exploration retreat affectionately entitled “ Unwind”. It’s a day long event featuring movement and self exploration workshops for every body and just 80$ in advance and limited to 10 people. More info forthcoming, here is the registration link in case you want to get in now.

My next performance will be in May 2023 at Show Me Burlesque Saturday night Spectaculaire, I’ll be doing my Seven Devils performance. I hope you can make it out.

xoxox

Ami

Hello loves! I can hardly believe it’s February already! Holy shit! It’s turning out to be a fantastic and busy month already I’m pretty much booked through the end of the month with gigs, classes, hikes, graveyard crawls and making art and jewelry.

I am always humbled and honored by the amount of talent and community here in the StL area and it’s really one of the many things I love about our great city. Thank you to everyone who was at the Bleeding Hearts Ball this past weekend. It really was the event to see and be seen at this past weekend. If you missed it, there won’t be another big show from me til February of next year and this next one is going to blow you away as it will be really involved and that’s all I can say right now without giving too much away. **Wink wink** If you missed it, the RFT came out and took some amazing photos and wrote a really nice review you can all of find those here!

This weekend I find myself in familiar space at Koken Art Factory for Naughti Gras both Friday and Saturday with my familiar, Boo-boo. I’m excited and a little nervous because I have been having knee issues which haven’t been resolved yet, but I’m working on it and started PT this week. Also teaching an intermediate dance workshop Saturday and a hike for Patrons only on Sunday morning.

I know you’re probably thinking – whoa when does this chick sleep!? While my word for 2023 is Hustle….The truth is, I do sleep, every night at least 8 hrs and I get up every morning to have a hot beverage (Deathwish coffee or a matcha latte – no dairy) and I write three things I feel grateful for, three things I value about myself and my to do list for the day. Then, I get to work starting with movement and some aromatherapy and meditation. Everyday I workout, even if it’s just Pilates or a walk. I set aside time for me because in reality, I am everything. That’s why I don’t often go out and why I am pretty particular about who I hang out with and what gigs I’ll take. I also have a nighttime ritual of doing some gentle movement, turning off my phone and TV, facial care including gua sha, applying a lavender based perfume to my temples and neck and laying on my spiky Shakti acupressure mat while listening to a meditation or soothing music. In fact so many facets of life are made into rituals. I’d love to hear some of your rituals to anyone who is reading this.

I’m teaching a beginners Bellydance Bootcamp on Sunday, February 19th 11 am

I have a few slots open for private yoga and dance lessons virtual or in person (only for verified people I know and have met). I also have a few slots open for intuitive card readings virtual or in person. Please send me a PM or email if you want to get on the schedule.

In between all this, I finally started an only fans page because I thought it would be fun and just mother way to express another facet of myself. There’s a link in my show the love page 😉 It’s not really a secret, but it is hard to advertise without Instagram and other sites getting their panties in a bunch!

And for the first time my February offering to you is a 10 min over over yoga blitz video. So grab your mat and do some yoga for fucks sake.

Till next time… hail Satan, drink coffee, do yoga and don’t forget to take some time for yourself because you are everything.

xxxx

Hello friends,

It’s been a while since I’ve made a blog post on here! If you’ re reading this, thanks in advance!

2022 – what a year! Can we get a love and gratitude for that year? Was it challenging? Yes! Was it a year filled with life lessons? Yes! There was so much good about 2022 and a lot of hard times too. But we have to have balance, right?

I am grateful that I got to spend more time with my dad, continue to do the Oddities Expos, traveling to the Grand Canyon and Peru! I’m thankful for my friends, both new ones and old ones and eternally grateful for my health even though my physical body is not as healthy as it has been, but I’m working on it.

I had a lot of wins in 2022, but also some losses and moments I’m not exactly proud of and that’s ok. Not everything can be sunshine and rainbows because then there is no real growth.

In 2023, I’m focusing on making real life connections with people via my Patreon. I’m still developing those user friendly hikes for people who feel intimidated by large group hiking. These hikes are suitable for all levels since I tailor them to fit the people who rsvp. I am also carrying on with my graveyard crawls. We go to local and near local graveyards. I’ll share some tales, some info about the residents and some hot tea. We should also have plenty of time to walk around and take photos or when allowed in warmer months do gravestone rubbings. All my events are leave no trace or leave better than we found it. I have my schedule listed below for those whose interested. Links and location only given out to members in the 10$ and up level.

I’m also going to be putting up more boundaries regarding my time and energy. My time and energy are my most precious and limited resource and are valuable. Eliminating the nouns in my life that do not align with my highest self or have my best interests at heart including a lot of (not all) social media. Social media has always been a useful tool for me, but I need to keep it as a tool, not something I turn to when I want an ego boost.

And finally paying off house and credit debts so I can not have to worry about these trivial financial things in the future. Which by the way, I bought my first house at the end of 2021. I’m thrilled to be a home owner but wasn’t expecting to have to buy a new HVAC system so soon.

I continue to practice gratitude every day. Every fucking day. I give thanks for the experiences and people in my life, the lessons I have learned and opportunities that have come my way. Grateful for my closest friends and family.

So far in 2023, I have 3 new Patreon members, I’m booked for Naughti Gras, I updated my website and am co-leading a women’s adventure retreat in Bali/ Java March 2024! How is that for manifesting?

Feel free to drop me a line – I’d love to hear what you are thankful for or what your goals for the year and ongoing are. Until next time my friends, be kind, be grateful and be your beautiful authentic self.

xoxo,

Ami Amore’

#amiamore #workingartist #stlouis #careerartist