Why did you first start doing bellydancing?
I needed exercise, and was looking out for a sport to do. I had always known about bellydancing but had not thought about it seriously. While loafing on the internet (one of the reasons I needed exercise) I saw a document about it. I loved the costumes and written pieces explaining about middle-eastern dancing, and thought I would try it out. I was very shy when first starting but bellydancing has boosted my confidence and I have a number of shows behind me (Starting from small shows like private kitchen tea’s, bachelorette parties etc, up to charity Balls and the openings of big companies, e.g. A branch of Chevrolet). Engaging every part of your body to be as sensual as you can be, bellydancing is the ultimate in feminine movement. It creates a deeper appreciation of your body.
Why did you not start sooner?
I had very low self-esteem, and was not a celery-munching model… and feminine? Frumpish and more of a Goth rock girl was my classification. When I eventually started I knew I had hit the jackpot. The girls were supportive and danced gorgeously, not to mention how much fun it is!
Why do you love bellydancing?
PASSION
To some, it would be the spray of water on their faces... letting a finger run across the smooth surface of a powerful tunnel wave. To others, it would be the constant crunching of gravel under their boards as they take over parking lots and sidewalks. It may even be the throbbing pain of fingers on steel strings, the strenuous battle forwards between sweating males with a ball under your arm, the uncanny ability of sitting in front of a blank piece of paper and being able to fill it with poetry... All filled and driven by passion. Bellydancing is that passion to me. Moving into a crowd of awed people watching as you sway and glide across the floor... It’s unbelievable.
Plans for the future?
With each performance and new class I learn more about my abilities and constantly push my dancing to the next level. I have started to learn ribbon poi dancing, and will soon be advancing to flame poi (flaming ball swung around on chains). I recently purchased a snake and when it has matured and become used to me, I will be dancing with it too. I have actually come to realise that Tribal Bellydance is the main style of belly dance that I want to excel in. It takes a lot more strength, stability, concentration and skill to define your moves in a captivating, snake-like dance than in Cabaret Bellydance, but to me it holds a sense of art and power.
What training have you done?
I have attended workshops with the internationally accredited dancer, Beverly Joffe, and she has increased my inclination towards slower dancing. At a Belly dance Fair held in September 2006, I attended more workshops with local recognised teachers such as Shalimar, Amira, Rusty and Colette. On the 20th of October this year, I will be flying down to Cape town with my Teacher to attend the International Oriental Dance Festival organised by Ajsa Samia, and will attend more workshops with Internationally accredited dancers, Jazira Malu, Amun Colleen and Nisrin.
Besides all the workshops, I attend class every Saturday with our charismatic and amazing teacher, Natalie Misplon, aka “Lilu”. Her style of teaching is the best I have ever seen, making you her friend and project, not the cold hard professionalism that causes most students to lose interest in a dance.
Bellydancing is awesome.