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Inspiration
We asked friends and fellow dancers to take a moment to tell us what belly dance, or any style of dance, meant to them. What moves them, what inspires them, what keeps them dancing? We found the first round of responses to be incredibly inspirational. Special thanks to those who shared their inspirations. Stay tuned for more soon!
What dance means to me: Nothing short of salvation. Not in a religious sense, but perhaps spiritual. It is so much more than a hobby - it is a joy and a means to happiness. Belly dance saved my life and I have heard this from many others.
~ Lacy Perry, Beledi Boutique: Atlanta, GA
Let's see... What does dance/belly dance mean to me ... In my opinion, dance in general is the way I interpret music through the use of my body. It’s the rhythms, the beats, the sounds, the mood, the feeling of the music and how I interpret in the form of movement... Belly dance for me is about more than that. It's about... enjoying being a woman. Feeling beautiful and appreciating my body for what it is and the way it moves. When I dance I feel empowered and strong and beautiful and I love to share it with an audience! That feeling alone keeps me going! :-) I love to dance!
~ Daania: Atlanta, GA
Belly dance is my unspoken happiness. My passion, everything I feel, my appreciation for the dance comes to life first from within through my soul, then outwards through my hips, my chest, my toes and fingertips. For me, belly dance has become as vital as food and water that are needed to sustain life. I'm a fiend. If ...I go too long without it I deteriorate and feel incomplete. Case in point, I moved back to Miami last Friday, don't have a "day job" yet but am continuing my dance studies. I'm not sure where the funds will come from yet, lol, but I MUST dance, so I thought I'd figure that part out later. Belly dance is my healthy obsession. :)
~ Nawar: Miami, FL
To me, Middle Eastern dance means "knowing our roots" - connecting with women all over the world, transcending time & culture. Our art form has been handed down to us by women who lived more than a millennium ago in the literal Cradle of C...ivilization. Belly dance unites us with our sisters from future, present and ancient times and empowers us to celebrate femaleness.
And while belly dance has taken on many forms and transformations, our historical roots will always be found in our dance.
~ Nadira: Tallahassee, FL
I find belly dance rewarding in so many ways. Great exercise, you make lots of friends with such wonderful people, helps develop self awareness and confidence, inspires you to be creative as an artist and dancer, truly the list goes on :)
~ Lori: Atlanta, GA
Belly dance has allowed me to feel comfortable in my own skin. I am fabulous just the way I am!
~ Salena: Sugar Hill, GA
It means sisterhood & friendships! I've met some beautiful women!
~ Jearelle: Dalton, GA
It means beautiful dancers sharing their art with the world as well as very entertaining to watch.
~ Tony: Atlanta, GA
Belly dance means shaking all my giggle and being proud! It's an art that inspires sisterhood among women and I am all for that!
~ Jamesha: Lawrenceville, GA