Article Published in the
Middle Eastern Dance New England May/June Issue 2007
In the late 1980’s a dear friend of mine, who was in her early 50’s, danced at a party and everyone was amazed at her grace and beauty as well as the way she slithered across the dance floor. Come to find out she was a retired belly dancer named Farouz who danced with Arte Barsamian’s and his musical ensemble. From that point on I wanted to learn how to dance like her she called this dance bellydancing. I finally found a woman named Brendina who was teaching a six week beginner class at a local dance studio.
After the six weeks was over, I started taking private lessons with Brendina when she casually informed me that she was retiring. “Oh no! What do I do now?” I thought! I searched high and low and found me another great teacher. Charleena’s School of Belly Dance in Saugus. I called and signed up immediately. I lived for belly dancing and danced at Charleena’s for about 2 years, where I learned to dance using props such as veils, zills, swords and fire dancing.
We performed at recitals, charity events, functions, birthday parties, fund raisers, and I even started doing Belly grams. You name it Charleena had us performing everywhere. I could not get enough. I wanted to learn everything there was about this culture. I bought every piece of music, books and videos I could find and practiced till I couldn’t even move. A little obsessed you might say but belly dancing has that affect on you. The more you do it the more you want to learn. It gives you a sense of accomplishment. Something about dancing barefoot that grounds you and connects you to Mother Earth.
In 1995 I was forced to stop dancing due to multiple illnesses and surgeries. Every time I got back up on my feet and started to dance or exercise I would find myself taking another 10 steps backwards. Six surgeries later, including 2 abdominal surgeries- goodbye six pack abs. hello 30 pack abs. In my mind I thought to myself “I can’t dance like-this look at me.” It is amazing how much self esteem you have when you can dance. I vowed that someday I would return for this passion of dance that I had.
Even though I could not dance I still bought books and videos and tried to do what I could that wasn’t painful. I took it slow and steady and the more dancing I could do the better I started to feel. It wasn’t until the summer of 2004 that a group of friends asked me if I would teach them how to belly dance. After much coaxing I decided that I would give it a try.
I told them out front that I can no longer do most of the floor work, but I could teach them a lot of what I know, I started with taking as many workshops as I could and bought more DVD’s (Wow has belly dancing come a long way, look at all the cool stuff I can learn at home. Tribal- Tribal what? Let’s try that style and Gypsy Dunyavi etc. etc. (no more rewinding VHS tapes hail DVD’s.)
I have continued my studies and take as many workshops as I can with teachers such as: Alizah, Suzie, Nourhan Sharif, Alia Thabit, Dalia Carella, Subrina Kavitha, Amaya and the next one is with Suhaila Salimpour. Each time I learn more new things and I become more excited about being involved in the belly dance community. (I just want to hold out a banner in big letters stating “I am a belly dancer!” oh sorry I got carried away here.) I am no longer depressed about my body, size and the many illnesses and injuries that I have succumbed to. It really feels good to know that I don’t have to get on the floor to dance anymore and my whole routine can be done standing up.
A nice piece of advice from one of my teachers, Alizah that gave me much encouragement. I have healed so much within my heart and mind that I now can do a split again. With all the dancing I have lost 20 pounds and continue to lose weight, I enjoy learning as much as I do teaching. I will never again have six pack abs, but I am having a lot of fun trying to get down to at least a 12 pack and that’s without the alcohol.
My students go away with knowledge and laughter and I am amazed at how many of them want to continue because they find it relaxing, and entertaining. The joy of hearing “I never knew that my body could move like that” is comforting for they know that they can be sensual and feel like a woman. To me, that is satisfaction and to know that I can continue to dance no matter how old I become. Belly dancing definitely has had a healing effect on my mind, body and spirit. It improves muscle tone, prevents back problems, increases blood flow, helps relieve depression, and has a calming effect on your body therefore minimizing stress. Belly dancing is truly a healing art form.
