Spiral Skies Bellydance

My siblings were teenagers in the 60’s so I learned to twist while still in diapers. My Dad called square dances so community dances were a large part of growing up. Polkas, waltzes, the butterfly and jitterbug were our form of aerobics in a social context.

I’ve always been intrigued with belly dancing and started taking classes 5 years ago. I really enjoy the costuming. Creating outfits from bits and pieces found at garage sales and Good Will makes my day. I also enjoy the camaraderie of my belly dance sisters. We come from all walks of life, ages and body shapes. Belly dance gives us a chance to express ourselves physically to music we love and to be comfortable with the skin we’re in.

For years I’ve been balancing things on my head, mostly books but with a sword it is much more fun. When something is perfectly balanced, there is no weight to it and I enjoy trying new places to balance my sword.  I haven’t mastered my foot yet but I’m working on it.

My favorite moves are hip related – figure eights and pivot-sit-shifts. I learn so much from watching other dancers! The combination of movements, hand positions, foot work, even just the tilt of the head adds so much to the performance. My goal as a dancer is to be able to step into a performance with more grace and less shaking from nerves, to combine different movements fluidly, and to be entertaining and interesting to watch.

My daughter doesn’t want to dance but I do catch her with my sword occasionally. Its purpose is more of a light saber at those times. I hope that she learns to be comfortable in her own skin, to use her creativity and imagination to express her hopes, dreams and joy of life whether on a dance floor or in the back yard.

Shake it up Baby!!