Whether or not I actually remember the initial reason I took my first belly dance class seems irrelevant now that I think back. I have many words and emotions that may begin to explore my fascination with the dance. Perhaps through an introduction to what may be called my dance history in the future will help to explore or explain the preoccupation of such an obsession.
I began dancing in 2008 under Linda Bursey, of Corner Brook, Newfoundland. It started without coin belts or pantaloons but with an introduction to Raks Shakari- Egyptian Style Belly Dance. It was here that I learned the basic shimmy, washing machine, and three-quarter. Learning Linda's 'shimmy', 'thank-you', and 'ameraine' choreography. I went through a horrible break up and it was then that the dance began to save me from myself. I felt the need to gibe back to the community that held me up when I could not do so myself. I began a research project for a Folklore course I was taking that observed and studied my local belly dance community. Opening the doors of academia to those who may not have the permission to access it. I left Corner Brook upon the completion of my Bachelors Degree. Not hesitating to remember my firsts with this group. My first performance, first coin belt, my first costume sewing project.
Upon the completion of such an event it would seem fitting that the story continue in a seamless fashion. Not so! That summer I fell in a park at night and tore the ligament in my left ankle very badly. I was such forced into a premature retirement from the dance for at least a 6 month stint issued by my family physician. During this time span, I had been accepted into Memorial University`s Masters of Arts program with a full fellowship. The move to St. John`s, Newfoundland was just as difficult as my past 9 months of the year had been. Up-rooting the one last deep tie I had to the West Coast of the island that I call home was emotionally difficult. It was another 2 months on top of the recommended 6 before I would return to belly dance after my injury.
I found Wild Lily Dance Centre almost immediately after moving into 'town' but I failed to trust myself from returning that I had been away from belly dance too long to continue. I gave my ankle the extra time to prepare however, my mind did not rest. That fall was possibly one of the hardest seasons to suffer through since I found dance. After returning from Christmas break belly dance was the first thing that I planned on taking care of. I registered as a belly dance Red at WLDC. Begtinning at the lowest level, I learned Atseguin Style- A form of Gypsy. It felt so good going to class again. IT was not long after that when my performance craving started. There was a murmur of the student showcase at the end of the semester. I was the first in line to ask if they needed a soloist to perform in the show, planning on performing Egyptian Style regardless of my own failing memory of the dance I had learned. Before I knew it, 10 weeks had passed with the lovely instruction of Vanessa Paddock, co-owner of WLDC, and I had in hand another choreography called "Sudan". Along the way I have made many belly dance friends, Lori Savory, WLDC co-owner, has become to mean more to me as a friend, mentor, and inspiration to continue reaching into the belly dance world.
I now have sights on the future of my dance career. Next on my agenda is to gain more time performing, perhaps through joining a troupe. The Neighborhood Strays will place calls for new dancers soon. That will be uplifting and exciting as once again I shall try my hand at overcoming my lack of confidence in my own technique of belly dance. I have registered at WLDC for Green class this upcoming semester, where I will learn gesturing technique.
My life as a belly dancer continues to grow and expand the reaches of my mind and my heart. To be a dancer is not something of perfection or practice but an embodiment of a movement, a changing of one's soul. A belly dancer is a being of uncompromisable virtues. One who is both kind and enduring, yet strong and compassionate. A belly dancer can only be one of a kind, part of a kin from which all women come from. As a troupe those women achieve excellence in a space that is not traditionally reserved for them. Rather the communal generosity of belly dance is no a well kept secret, it is instead a force to be reckoned with, a power so connected to everything else that it should be celebrated.
There is not telling what more the dance will bring to me. Instead, I think about what I can bring to it. And how I can impact the belly dancing world from and island the world over.
