Fluidity, Grace, Flowing….

Fluidity, Grace, Flowing…

Belly Dance is very beautiful, but also can be complex. Sometimes students get discouraged because their body is not  “fluid” or “graceful”. Of course, as a rule women are naturally more flexible and fluid. However, being a fluid Belly Dancer does still take time. You have to remember that we have a fast paced, rigorous, lifestyle that does not encourage slowing down or “me” time. Nor does it encourage women to be soft. Because of some of the stresses in life; we have to be hard to get through it. Being fluid is not just about getting the body to be soft and flexible, it is a mindset. You have to slow your mind down. One way is to imagine that you’re relaxing in the warm Ocean as the waves sway your body back and forth. Breathe long and deep, and believe that the essence and magic of the waves of the Ocean are running through your body. It may sound “yoga-ish,” but it is true. Forgive yourself! Being fluid is really about slowing down and feeling the wave within. So don’t feel bad if you’re not fluid right away. Through Belly Dance, you will find your true womanly nature again, which is soft, fluid and graceful.

Performance. When Is The Right Time?

Someone asked on twitter “how long did it take before you started to perform?” It made think back to when I first started to dance, when I started to perform and what issues or concerns did I face. There was so much more I wanted to respond in that tweet, but you can only type a few characters. This blog may seem like I’m exposing myself too much, but my hope is that if a student reads this and they are wondering when is the right time, then maybe by sharing my experience they can make a decision. I remember my first student recital with the class and feeling ok with the routine. I never really had trouble learning choreography what I remember thinking was my skill level good enough to present? The thought left my mind because it was great to be with my peers and colleagues, putting on makeup and dancing together. Then I moved on to being part of a troupe, again I had the best time, sharing the stage with other dancers and presenting the ideas of the director. At this level I still asked myself why was I dancing in front all these people?  The nagging question was not dancing in front of the people, but why was I dancing, and what am I really getting out of performing. Then I moved on to be a soloist, I began to perform at festivals, bridal showers, family functions, corporate events. I became a great entertainer….but the same question would always pop up in my head…why am I dancing in front of these people?

I think the right time to perform happens when you feel comfortable with your dance skill and musicality. In addition, you have to have real confidence and belief in yourself. Continued training and learning is important to grow as a dancer, always strive to be more. But more importantly, I think it’s important to know as a performer, why are you dancing in front of all these people? After many years of performing I started to feel like, wow, I don’t think I want to perform anymore, because I don’t really have anything to say…..was I saying anything at all on stage?

I remember 5 years ago, I saw this Tango Flamenco show. There was a Flamenco dancer who did a 20 minute solo; she was so strong and beautiful on stage.  I remember being so emotionally moved by her performance that I started to cry. Thinking back on this it hit me that dancing/performing is not just a set of moves to music, it is story telling; telling your story or someone else’s story (Artistic Director) through dance with vulnerability, and emotion is a completely different skill.

Anyone can perform; but performing for entertainment or artistic expression is an individual choice based on the level in your dance career. However, if you are ready, then I say… put on your best costume, strut your stuff and enjoy the stage! Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and take the risk.

Happy Dancing!

A Leap Of Faith

I finally did it! On June 10 I left my day job to focus on my dance studio full – time. After 2 years of working 9 – 5, running to the studio at night to teach, doing administrative work and leaving the studio at 10pm, I would take a taxi home to get some sleep to wake up 6am the next day to repeat the same thing the next day….. I finally said enough! The decision wasn’t easy, and for a long time I was waiting for permission… someone to tell me go ahead and quit. But I knew deep down inside that I had to give myself permission to believe in my dreams and say YES to becoming a full-time business owner, and kick butt Belly Dance Artist! Its funny the moment I said yes, the universe stepped right in. So many creative ideas started to flood my mind, and I received so much positive feedback from my family, friends, peers, and my students. In addition to that, support came in other subtle ways, such performance opportunities, doing workshops with other women’s groups, and partnerships with great people in the dance and fitness community. It was the best decision I made, and the timing was right. Its funny, I was worried about telling my mom, even at my age I cared about what she might say. Would she support my decision? When I explained to her my reasons for going full-time with the business, the first thing she said was…”yes, your always coming home so late and your looking so tired”.

So a new journey begins, an opportunity to really manifest the life I want for myself. I understand the challenges and risks, but I rather live with risks and be happy, then be secure and miserable.

I’m soo excited for what lies ahead

Nothing Butt The Glutes!

Suhaila Week Long Training Aug. 2011

I love going down to San Francisco. Just the other day I was thinking…wow I have been studying with Suhaila Salimpour for the past 5 years. Where did the time go? Suhaila Salimpour is my teacher and mentor in San Francisco and every August for the past 5 years I go to the mothership to train, learn, grow, and sweat in her week long workshops. It was a grueling 2 weeks, but it was great to be a student. Imagine 9 – 4pm just soaking up all the dance movement and education you can. It was fabulous! Who is Suhaila Salimpour? She is a 2^nd generation Belly Dance instructor and educator located in Berkeley CA. She has a unique and structured dance format that is designed to help a person to become a better dancer. After many years as a Belly Dancer and taking different dance forms, her program was exactly what I need to continue my dance development. Now, my goal is to complete her level 3-certification course. I have a lot a work ahead of me, but I’m so excited to do it!

Below is a short clip of Suhaila’s students weeklong experience. You can catch a glimpse of me doing plies  LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pgT3pmpFK8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLBDwDKwX8w&feature=youtu.be

Belly Dance and National Health Show in Toronto

Belly Dance and the National Health Show!

I’m up, its early and I’m getting myself ready for the National Health Show today,  http://www.nationalhealthshow.com/home.php   I’ll be on the Can Fit Pro stage at 7pm tonight and on Sun. Oct. 24 at 4pm, talking about the health benefits of Belly Dancing. I’m wondering as a guest speaker and a representative of this dance form…what am I going to say? There is so much, but I think it’s really simple. Learning this beautiful art form has led me on a journey that not only helps me to learn more about my body, but also about myself. On the physical side, my body is toned, but fluid, strong and flexible. It is a low impact activity that women of any age or size can learn to do. Yes, it does take some patience to learn as one must allow themselves to see their hips, chest, and abs as more fluid instead of rigid,  but the real excitement is learning to isolate specific group muscles in the body that you never thought about before…that’s liberating!!

On a more personal side, I learned through the art of Belly Dance, and also through dance and movement, to be able to accept myself, push beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone, and to stay strong and committed to goals, aspirations, and what I love to do.

Hopefully, after my presentation I would have inspired some people to learn how important it is to “discover your rhythm!”

Happy Dancing!!

 

 

Hello world!

My first blog on Word Press! I’m excited to share my thoughts and ideas about Belly Dance, fitness, and health. Looking forward to reading your views too!

Chemagne