Anyone who knows me is fully aware that I'm very much obsessed with belly dance.  It's all-consuming; there's not a day where I don't think about it, do it, talk about it.  The fact is, this dance changed my life.  I want to share my story of how I got involved in belly dance, and I'll try not to sound like a bad infomercial while I do so

When I was a teenager I saw a series of belly dance instructional videos in a mail order catalog.  They were titled Fast Moves and Slow Moves.  I put them on my birthday list; something about the idea of bellydancing just hit a nerve.  I had never seen a dancer but it seemed exotic, beautiful.  I was intrigued.  So when I unwrapped the two VHS tapes on my birthday I was thrilled.  My friends all came over for a sleepover and we spent all night trying to imitate the dancers...we had no hip scarves but tied blankets, scraps of cloth, whatever we could find.  We had an absolute blast!  All of us were enthralled by these dancers—what they were able to do with their bodies and how confident they seemed.

I didn't even think to look for a live instructor in my area.  But when I went away for college my mom wanted to find an activity to bring us together more often.  She found an instructor with the help of Shira.net and told me to make my Wednesday nights free.  I was shocked that here in Cleveland we have bellydance instructors (note: we actually have a very thriving scene here, but I just didn't know it) and I was really excited to experience the dance live and in person.  My first class went well and there were many, many classes thereafter.  My first workshop was with the best: Zahra Zuhair.  I've had the opportunity to study with her many more times but this first workshop holds a special place with me.  I left that workshop feeling very challenged; who knew there would be so much to learn.  It really is more than just shaking around!!

Over the years I started to notice a change in myself.  My confidence boosted big time as I found I was able to do movements I originally thought were impossible.  My posture got much better; I carried myself well.  Muscles became toned, my sciatica disappeared and I was feeling great.  When I started dancing professionally in the restaurant/nightclub circuit I learned to be sociable and assertive.

What can I say, have always loved to perform and bellydance provides me with a great outlet where I can be artistic, athletic and beautiful all at once! 

For more information, visit www.safiyahdances.com