I started studying Middle Eastern Dance with Ambyr in 2008 and it wasn’t long until I joined Nerissa’s classes as well. My interest in bellydancing started with my first trip to Turkey, and my subsequent trips around the Middle East has cemented my passion and love for this beautiful dance form and music. Middle Eastern music and culture had always fascinated me and I had been listening to Middle Eastern music even before I started belly dancing! There is something in the melody and rhythms that draws me to this genre of music, as well as many other types of world music. So much can be interpreted by melodies and rhythms, even if you don’t understand the lyrics!
In addition to studying with Ambyr and Nerissa I have learnt from many other Austalian master teachers, as well as international teachers. In 2012, I attended the Shimmy in the City workshops in London and was fortunate to learn from Egyptian master teachers Dina and Kazafy, as well as Aziza from Canada. In 2013, whilst in Bangkok visiting family, I attended workshops with master teacher Tamalyn Dallal. Going to workshops gives me a deeper understanding of the different nuances of this dance form and strengthens my dance repertoire.
What I love about belly dancing is that, unlike other dance forms, you don’t need a partner – you can dance as part of a troupe or as a soloist. As a soloist, I love bringing out my creative side and developing new choreographies, researching a particular song, and the excitement of being on stage and the buzz of improvising because, lets face it, no matter how many times you practise you are bound to forget something! As part of a troupe, I love the excitement of practising a new choreography and watching it grow into a showpiece and finally bringing that to the stage. And of course, who could say no to the glamour and glitzy costumes and a chance to wear way too much make up!!!
Finally, the best thing about belly dance is that I have met and made lifelong friends and I am forever am indebted to that decision to attend belly dance classes. Who knew back then I would be here now writing this!
