In 1996 my best friend (Minya) convinced me to take a
bellydance class at our local community college. I admit that I
had never really considered it before then. I love to dance, but
my idea of bellydance involved pretty girls jiggling only in all
the right places, wearing little costumes to titillate (pun
intended) a leering male audience. I have found since then that
that's exactly what it is -- for some people.
For me, the dance has become a way to explore motion, body
awareness, creative expression (through costume as well as
dance), Middle Eastern culture, the sacred feminine, and
dance as ritual. It has also been the avenue through which I
have met with the most diverse and supportive group of
women and men I have the privilege of calling friends.
As if that isn't enough, I also get to wear bright clothes, wild
makeup, fake hair, boatloads of jewelry, and I get to make A
LOT of noise!
The life of an Asha member is truly a blessed one.
bellydance class at our local community college. I admit that I
had never really considered it before then. I love to dance, but
my idea of bellydance involved pretty girls jiggling only in all
the right places, wearing little costumes to titillate (pun
intended) a leering male audience. I have found since then that
that's exactly what it is -- for some people.
For me, the dance has become a way to explore motion, body
awareness, creative expression (through costume as well as
dance), Middle Eastern culture, the sacred feminine, and
dance as ritual. It has also been the avenue through which I
have met with the most diverse and supportive group of
women and men I have the privilege of calling friends.
As if that isn't enough, I also get to wear bright clothes, wild
makeup, fake hair, boatloads of jewelry, and I get to make A
LOT of noise!
The life of an Asha member is truly a blessed one.
