Dina in DC!

Back in the beginning of May I had the honor of seeing a live performance by Dina!  Love her or hate her she has a style all her own and in my opinion is a master of Egyptian dance.  She can stand in one spot and shimmy for 5 minutes and convey so much emotion just in her face and her arms.  I was lucky enough to have VIP seating which meant I was very close to the stage in the front row and was able to see every move.  There was also a workshop that weekend but I wasn’t able to participate. If she comes back around I’m not going to miss a chance to learn everything I can from her!

The audience was primarily Middle Eastern as was most of the speaking.  There were 2 great opening dancers from Canada that were hand-picked by Dina along with a live music set by Mohamed Reda.  During his performance I saw so many people – young, old, men, women, children (one cute little girl even got up onstage and showed how it’s done!) up and dancing.  The folks at the table next to us invited us to get up and dance.  I was reluctant (improv…oh noes!) but once I got up I felt like I fit right in.

Dina’s set lasted about an hour.  She changed costumes about 4 times and only took about 3 minutes to switch from one beautiful costume to the next. It was great being that close and seeing the joy in her eyes as well as the joy she spread through the whole room.

I brought my camera but figured photos wouldn’t be allowed.  Man was I wrong! Almost everyone was either snapping photos or recording videos with their phones.  I suppose it’s a cultural thing perhaps? I know here in the US photography is sometimes not allowed. It didn’t seem to matter to Dina or the event hosts – who by the way were super nice!! So once my phone died my friend went and got my Nikon and I was able to get some shots. At the end of the show Dina was gracious enough to stick around and many of the workshop participants were able to get their photos taken with her. I almost didn’t but thought when will I get this chance again?  I stepped in line and had my picture taken with her!

It was a great night and I’ll never forget it! I tried to remember every move she made but ended up just in awe of her talent and presence.  If she comes around your town don’t miss it! Here’s some photos…

Butterball Ballerina to Beautiful Belly Dancer

I’ve danced my entire life.  I started with the standard tap and ballet classes in elementary school.  I wanted to move up to jazz and maybe pointe but my instructor Mrs. Evans informed my Mom that I was…well…too fat.  I was a good dancer but…you know.  Thus began my lifelong struggle with my body image.  Thanks Mrs. Evans. (Note: My family, both immediate and extended, was nothing but supportive and never made me feel anything but beautiful and special.)  I was in chorus all through school participating in the usual Christmas pageants in elementary and middle singing “Silent Night” and “Here Comes Santa Claus” with the best of them.

In the eighth grade I auditioned for the all girls Swing Ensemble at the high school I was about to start.  They put on shows and did competitions regionally.  Yep.  I got in.  Then I tried out for the big Show Choir but didn’t make the cut – I’m not a great singer and auditions are extremely nerve-wracking for me.  I stayed in Swing all 4 years of high school and ended up as President.  We put on a show every year called Cabaret (not the Broadway show…they just called it that to confuse everyone).  We would do showy song and dance numbers.  The two that stand out for me were “Whatever Lola Wants” from Damn Yankees and “All That Jazz” from Chicago.  There’s a video of one of those floating around…it ended up on the souvenir DVD from my 20th high school reunion in August.

In college I was too busy being s typical college student on the “5 year plan” to get involved in any dance or theater.  I left that to those people who were majoring in those fields  and was content being a rock star in my car on the was to school and work.

Fast forward to 2006.  I’m working in a hypnosis clinic as an office manager.  We were in need of a new hypnotherapist and the senior therapist knew of someone who was just starting out and needed a chance to see clients and get some real experience.  We hired her and being the new girl she made it a point to get to know us pretty well.  One day in the getting to know you process she mentions that she’s a belly dancer and is trying to get enough folks together to start teaching some classes.  She asked if I’d be interested and my initial reaction was that no one would want to see this belly bared and dancing.  (Again kudos to Mrs. Evans.)   Her answer was that belly dancers need bellies and I’d be on the smaller end of the spectrum.  After a few weeks of convincing I signed up.

The first class was small, maybe 5-6 people in all and very basic.  About half of the had been dancing a while, were friends of my co-worker and were there to brush up on the fundamentals and make sure there were enough people enrolled for a class.  We learned correct posture (that tuck that feels so weird at first but is now very safe and familiar), snake arms and hip lifts.   After a few classes we were asked to get into a large circle so each of us could dance out to the middle, do 4 counts of a move and then dance out.  Cue the cold sweat.  I was still convinced I should really be a size 6 to be doing this in front of people albeit in a big skirt and baggy tank top.  I did it.  With tears in my eyes I did it.  As I was hip lifting my way out of the circle of dread I heard something.  Was that clapping and encouragement from everyone there?  Yep.  No one was judging me but me.  Imagine that.

So 6 years later I’m a belly dancer.  I take 2-3 classes a week and have been a co-instructor for a beginner class.  I am asked to get up in front of class and demonstrate moves.  My body understands belly dance and through belly dance I have started to understand my body.  I still struggle with wanting to lose 15 pounds on a regular basis and have altered and re-altered every costume I have battling those pesky 15 pounds.  But when I get on a stage or am floating around tables at a restaurant I feel talented, strong and beautiful.  I had a show this past Saturday and the guest dancer was a 20+ year veteran of dance.  She came right up to me after the show and complimented me on my performance and presence.  I watched the video a friend took of the show and was amazed by the applause I received.  I could be having the Worst.  Day.  Ever. and go to class only to leave elated and wanting to learn and do more.  I know I’ll be dancing for the rest of my life,  It has given me strength and perspective to get through some very difficult times.  I look forward to learning as much as I can about every aspect of belly dance and meeting more strong and inspiring people in the process.

I’m proud to call myself a belly dancer.