Events: Arabian Nights meet Pirates of Macdougall ~ 8th March, 2009

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* manual mode; 1/50; f7.1; ISO400 + ETTL +1/3

One of the perks of having a part-time freelance dancer/performer girlfriend is that you get the exclusive privilege to tag along as part of the dance crew whenever there is a gig; you get the exciting opportunity to observe & experience the backstage preparation drama & chance to shoot great up-close pictures of all the action. =p

I had my first outing of such last night when we gate-crashed Merdeka Palace’s annual dinner thingy which, carried one ~ ‘Pirates of MacDougall’ theme. Studio 23’s belly dancing crew was invited to do a surprise gig; hence our top-secret-low-profile entry into the function via the corridor overlooking the main ballroom. Had a blasting good time at the packed event, the crowd was ecstatic; they all came donned in their best pirate cosplays! The dancers put on an awesome performance & were well applauded by the very enthusiastic & appreciative audience. =D

Now here’s a recollection of last night’s event in pichas:

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Chilling out at Seattle Coffee, an hour before the gig. She looks great, calm & composed, don’t you think? She actually craves for the dance floor spotlight! =p

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The elaborate bling-bling integral accessory that adds the zing to the belly dance

Representing Studio 23 ~ *& they were introduced as the Pirates' Catch! =p *

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Serina,

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Dayang,

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& Emm

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The Arabian Princesses

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& their plain-clothed commoner Princes ~ Albert, Darren & me! * If the dancers get paid for the gigs they perform, what do us male escorts - cum - bodyguards - cum - chaffeur - cum - photographer - cum - videographer get then? One princess answered, “Well, the benefit you guys get is to be seen in public with us” -_-“ *

Meets..

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Kuching's Captain Jack Sparrow,

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& his pirate crews *I got mistook for one the event’s official photographer~! I’m going to charge you (Merdeka Palace staffs) for the pichas! =p *

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Yours truly & my baby

* all shot using EOS450 with EFS 18-55mm kit lens + Speedlite 580EXII ~ courtesy of www.loigoh.com ~ thanks, brada! =D