There are so many misconceptions over what a belly dancer is. No, we are not strippers. Quite frankly, the style of fusion belly dance that I've been learning the past 2 years is rarely even sexy. It's a little bit gypsy, a little bit punk, a little bit sassy and a whole lot silly sometimes. The true belly dancers have muscle control that would be the envy of any athlete. They can isolate muscles that I'm not entirely certain I possess.
I will never forget my first class. I went in expecting the whole sexy, mysterious, woman of intrigue experience. Not a chance. We learned a dance to the Monster Mash since it was almost Halloween. I later had someone say to me "Did you really expect it to be sexy at your age?" WHAT? Really? Wow. I knew we were going to perform in nursing homes, didn't realize I was ready for one. And with that, I became one of the Sisters of the Southern Moon.
One thing I did gain that was totally unexpected was a great network of friends. I've been to a few workshops and a weekend of world music and dance in the mountains of Stuart, Virginia. People came from all over the country to STUART, VIRGINIA to camp, dance, sing, play music, teach, learn, trade, bond. It was amazing.
Sisters of the Southern Moon campsite at Darbukastan Independence Days in Stuart, Virginia
In the past 2 years, I have danced in nursing homes, international festivals, performed at the Tamarack in Beckley, West Virginia and attended some AWESOME haflas (which is just a Arabic word for party). I've learned a lot, gained some self confidence, lost some weight. It's been a fun journey.
You are a wonderful dancer! And women can be sexy at any age...(says the ol' fart). Great photos. Oh, I do miss the Taj Mahal, but Taj 2 is much easier to carry! :)
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