The Rose Hafla asks members of the Scottish Bellydance Community in 'The Interview Sessions.' We find out how they started bellydancing, highlights of their dance journey so far, inspirations and top tips!
Name:
Deirdre Macdonald Clitheroe
Based:
Ayrshire, Scotland
Bellydance style:
Tribal style - Global Caravan Dance/HipswithAttitude
Dance teacher
Dance Student
Amateur Performer
Event Organiser:
When Dancers Gather (annual in June)
Advance Your Dance (annual in October)
Collective Soul Certifications and Teacher Training in Global Caravan Dance format (as requested)
Links and Contact Info
email: hipswithattitude@yahoo.com
Socials: #hipswithattitudedance
How did you start bellydancing?
I was introduced to the feel and sounds of folkloric dance when in 1999 I travelled to Egypt and as part of our travels spent 5 days on a small no-frills sailboat (called a felucca). Each night our captain and crew would build fires and drum on the banks of the Nile - something got straight to my heart (and hips) then and I searched for bellydance classes on return to Glasgow.
Top 3 highlights of dance journey to date?
I have been blessed with so many fabulous experiences at different stages of my dance journey from my Egyptian days at a few of the JWAAD Summer Schools, learning so much from so many, as young dancer learning and earning my JWAAD Arabic Dance diploma
I also thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of being on stage at Tribal Fest in 2015 in California with not only the Gypsy Caravan Dance Company and their band and Jerimiah Soto from Solace - gulp! We had just a few days to meet (most for the first time), connect, practice and then perform - learning loads in the process!
I think becoming a Master Teacher and hosting my first intensive for Collective Soul in 2014 was a highlight - teaching and coaching this format is a lifelong passion and at the start I felt humbled with the responsibility and joy. This has led me to teach 2-5 courses each year over the next 10 years - in super places including my hometown Troon, Shrewsbury, Wigan, Nottingham and even in Hawaii
What inspires you to keep dancing?
For me its about the learning, growing aspects of me as a dancer and teacher and performer - all different skills - the connection with the community, keeping fit enough to dance, fueling a zest for all aspects of life
Name 3 dancers (past or present) that inspire you and why?
I am inspired by dancers who dance from the heart - in and out of the studio and stage. I love Mahmoud Reda and folkloric style and am always inspired by those who selflessly give and support others.
My Master Teacher Global Caravan family inspire me - from Paulette to the others around the world and how we keep connected and share and support each other - a true global dance family
I will always love what Kay Taylor has done - being courageous enough to move into Bellydance full-time, create a great community and work tirelessly to be creative and inventive in her approaches - as well as being an engaging performer!
Share a 'top tip' for new or existing bellydancers
Keep going - remember its a joy and a passion - the only thing to be serious about is enjoying your dance journey ;-)
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